Health Tip: Protect Your Eyes From Corneal Abrasion

Be careful with contact lenses, machinery

February 21, 2011 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Carelessly handled contact lenses, a low-hanging tree branch or a fingernail used to relieve an itch can scratch the eye's cornea, resulting in what is called a corneal abrasion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of this injury:

Wear goggles when near machinery that could injure your eyes.
Cut your fingernails regularly.
Trim low-hanging tree branches.
Clean your contact lenses properly each day, and be careful when placing them on your eye.
Always take contact lenses out before going to sleep.