SAN FRANCISCO—In observance of February as “Save Your Vision Month,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers the following tips:

• Reduce job-related eye injuries by implementing an effective program wearing safety eyewear
• During work, wear safety eyewear whenever there is a chance machines or activities present a hazard of flying objects, chemical splashes, harmful radiation, or a combination of these or other hazards.
• When playing sports, always wear the appropriate protective eyewear.
• When out in the sun, wear sunglasses that protect from UV rays.
• Let professionals handle the fireworks. Do not use illegal fireworks.
• Do NOT share contact lenses or put them in your mouth to ‘clean.’
• Receive regular eye exams as directed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, especially if you are at a high risk for eye disease (African-Americans, Hispanics, people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease, etc.)

“Although February may be designated as Save Your Vision Month, the eye health care team wants to remind patients that saving your vision must be undertaken each and every month,” said Jose Pulido, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Academy member. “If you lose your eyesight, it’s gone for good. So take care of it, all year long.”

For more information about eye healthcare and safety, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aao.org.