Your vision plays a major role in your quality of life so it’s important to protect your eyes. Many people think about eye protection when they’re doing something outdoors such as yard work or painting. However, are you protecting your eyes in the kitchen? Here are the hazards you need to watch out for.
Hot Grease in the Eye
Whether you are using a deep fryer or just sauteeing food with oil, there is a chance for the grease to splatter. You’ve probably noticed the droplets of oil that fly everywhere when you cook bacon. If one of those hot drops hits your eye, you’re at risk for a burn and irritation. Wear eye protection glasses to protect yourself.
Spices and Peppers
Spices and peppers make your food taste great but they could irritate your eyes. They contain a chemical called capsaicin. It’s the compound that brings the heat. If you get it in your eyes it will sting and burn. Make sure to never touch your eyes after cutting peppers or handling spices. Wash your hands as soon as you can, or consider using gloves to handle these foods.
No Steak for Black Eyes
The old TV classic of placing a raw steak over a bruised black eye may seem like a good idea, but it actually can cause more harm than good. Any comfort offered from the cool sensation of the steak is overshadowed by the potential for bacteria to get into your eye. After all, raw meat has germs that need to be cooked away. Instead of a steak, grab a clean ice pack.
Don’t Put Food in Your Eyes
On the same note, keep all food away from your eyes. Old myths that claim tea can cure pink eye or that honey can change your eye color don’t hold up. Using cucumbers to reduce puffiness around the eyes is also risky since the juice from the vegetable can get into your eyes.
In reality, these are just more potential ways to introduce germs into your eyes. Also, skip the bag of frozen food pressed against your eye to ease discomfort. You need something clean and sanitary for your eyes.
Use Caution with All Things Sharp
You know the sharp objects in your kitchen can pose a risk to your hands and fingers when you are chopping or cutting food. However, there is also a risk for your eyes. Mishandling a knife or kitchen shears can cause a serious injury. Keep sharp objects far away from your face at all times.
Also, be careful when walking with a sharp kitchen tool. If you fall, there is no way to control where that pointed edge will land. Eye protection can help prevent devastating accidents.
Cleaning Products
Eye safety in the kitchen doesn’t end when the cooking is done. Use your cleaning products carefully to protect your eyes. Make sure soapy water doesn’t splash into your face because it can cause irritation. Get safety glasses if you need to use strong chemicals, such as oven cleaner or a powerful floor cleaner. You’ll want to keep the fumes out of your eyes.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Eye Hazards?
Injuries to your eyes can happen a lot of ways in your home. Common hazards include cleaning products, home improvement or repair projects, lawn mowing and raking, and cooking. These all have the potential to either kick up debris that could get in your eyes or create fumes that could hurt your eyes. Eye protection glasses will keep you safe.
What Should I Do if I Get Something in My Eye?
If you get a foreign object in your eye, resist the urge to rub it with your finger. This could push the particle deeper behind your eyelid or cause the item to scratch your eye. Instead, calmly rinse your eye out with clean water. If something has impaled the eye, don’t remove it and seek medical care immediately.
Will Contact Lenses Protect My Eyes From Hazards?
Contact lenses are made to correct your vision, not protect your eyes. While they do serve as a barrier that lets less air and fumes through to the surface of your eyes, they do not give you any significant protection. You still need to invest in proper eye protection.
Can Steam Hurt My Eyes?
Steam has the potential to hurt your eyes if a direct blast of hot vapor hits the eye’s surface. This can happen by opening a pot on the stove and leaning over to check on what’s inside. You are running the risk of a burn directly on your eye. That steam can also carry spices and capsaicin that can sting your eyes.
How Can I Protect My Vision Health?
The best way to protect your vision health is to stay vigilant and always take the proper precautions. Wear safety glasses when doing anything that poses a threat to your eyes, from cooking to cleaning to household repairs. Preventing an injury is a lot easier than trying to heal from one. Get the eye protection you need. Check out Safety Gear Pro and keep your eyes safer today.
