October 1-31

Eye Injury Prevention Month

Don't turn a blind eye to the importance of preventing eye injuries! Join us this month in raising awareness and taking action for safer vision.

Yearly Date
October 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

October 1 marks the start of Eye Injury Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes. Did you know that every day, over 2,000 Americans suffer from an eye injury? This month serves as a reminder to take precautions and prevent these accidents from happening. Whether it's wearing safety glasses while working or simply avoiding rubbing your eyes too hard, there are many ways we can keep our peepers safe and healthy. So let's celebrate this month by learning more about how to protect our precious sense of sight!

Eye Injury Prevention Month Timeline

1864
First Eye Protection Patent
In 1864, the first patent was issued for eye protection designed to shield individuals during work.
1903
Establishment of AAO
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), a professional medical association devoted to eye care, was established in 1903.
1938
Eye Safety Standards Introduced
The first safety standards for protective eyewear were implemented in the United States in 1938, setting recommendations for design and use.
1980s
Laser Eye Injury Awareness
With the rise of lasers in industry and medicine during the 1980s, campaigns to prevent laser-induced eye injuries gained prominence.
2000
NIOSH Eye Safety Program
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) initiated an eye safety program to prevent work-related eye injuries in 2000.
2021
Focus on Digital Eye Strain
Given the increased use of digital devices, emphasis was placed on preventing digital eye strain and related injuries in 2021.

How to Celebrate Eye Injury Prevention Month

1

Schedule an eye exam

The best way to prevent eye injuries is to make sure your eyes are healthy. Schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to check for any potential issues and ensure that your vision is up to date.

2

Wear protective eyewear

If you participate in any activities that could potentially cause eye injuries, make sure to wear proper protective eyewear. This includes sports, DIY projects, and even cooking.

3

Educate others

Spread awareness about the importance of eye injury prevention by educating others. Share tips and information on social media, or host a workshop or seminar at your local community center or school.

4

Organize a fundraiser

Raise funds for organizations that support eye injury prevention and research. You can host a charity event, donate a portion of your sales, or set up a fundraising page to gather donations from friends and family.

5

Create an eye safety checklist

Make a list of all the potential hazards for eye injuries in your home, workplace, or recreational activities. Use this checklist to make sure you are taking all necessary precautions and make any necessary changes to improve safety.

Why Eye Injury Prevention Month is Important

A

Protecting your vision is crucial

We often take our eyes for granted, but they are incredibly important - helping us navigate the world around us. By promoting eye injury prevention during this month, we can raise awareness about the importance of protecting our sight from potential hazards.

B

Prevention is better than cure

Eye injuries can have serious consequences and can even result in permanent loss of vision. By taking preventative measures and promoting safe practices during Eye Injury Prevention Month, we can help reduce the number of avoidable accidents.

C

It's an opportunity to spread awareness

Many people may not be aware of the potential hazards that could lead to an eye injury. By recognizing Eye Injury Prevention Month, we can educate others on how to protect their eyes and potentially prevent accidents from occurring in the future.

Eye Injury Prevention Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 30
Saturday
2024
Sep 30
Monday
2025
Sep 30
Tuesday
2026
Sep 30
Wednesday
2027
Sep 30
Thursday