Prevention

Most eye injuries can be prevented with protective or safety glasses.

• Wear safety glasses whenever you operate power tools, such as drills, saws, or power washers; when using a hammer; or when mixing or spraying chemicals.
  
  
• Welder's goggles or face masks should be used when using an arc welder. A common scenario for ultraviolet keratitis in welders is that the welder lights his or her torch with the welder's mask up and then flips it down after the torch is lit.
  
  
• Eye coverings should be used in tanning booths, but it is best to completely avoid tanning, indoors and out.
  
  
• Do not rub your eyes.
  
  
• Never look directly into the sun. When outdoors on bright, sunny days, wear good quality sunglasses. This will reduce the amount of ultraviolet exposure to your eyes. This is particularly important when there is significant reflective glare, such as at the beach, on the water, or in snow-covered areas.