Protecting your peepers

Slipping on a pair of safety glasses may be the last thing on your mind if you're working around the kitchen or in the yard, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology says that's just what you should do to protect your eyes.

The group estimates that nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home and more than three-quarters of the people surveyed were not wearing protective googles. Many of the accidents happen in the kitchen while people are cooking or cleaning. A large percentage of injuries also occur while people are doing yard work and home repair projects.

Here's how to protect yourself:

1) Chemical caution. Common household products such as dishwasher power, laundry detergent, bleach and cleaners can be caustic. Read the labels before using. Wear protective googles to guard against splashing. Wash your hands well after handling products.

2) Watch out – it's hot. Food cooked in hot grease or oil can splatter into the eye causing serious injury. Be careful when using hot curling irons or hair straighteners around your face.

3) The great outdoors. Protect your eyes while mowing the lawn, edging or clipping hedges and bushes. Watch out when securing loads with bungee cords. Take precautions when using hand or power tools.

Finally, if an eye injury occurs seek medical help immediately. Even if an injury appears to minor, delaying medical attention could result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily on Headline News from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET weekdays.