Eye Injury Prevention Month, observed in July in India and October globally, raises awareness about preventing eye injuries at work, home, and during festivals. According to the WHO and AIOS, up to 90% of eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear, early first aid, and public education on vision safety.
Eye Injury Prevention Month reminds us that many cases of vision loss can be avoided through simple precautions and awareness. According to the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), July is observed as Eye Injury Prevention Month in India, while many countries mark the same observance in October.¹⁻² The campaign aims to educate the public about preventing avoidable eye trauma in workplaces, homes, and during recreational activities as part of a broader eye protection awareness campaign.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 55 million eye injuries occur each year, and up to 90 percent of them are preventable with appropriate protective measures.⁸ This statistic underscores the urgent need for global collaboration and community-level education to curb preventable blindness.
Eye injuries remain a significant global health concern. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that over one million people suffer from eye injuries annually in the United States, and nearly 90 percent of these injuries are preventable with appropriate protective eyewear.³
In India, where a large portion of the population works in high-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, the burden of ocular trauma is particularly high. By designating July as Eye Injury Prevention Month India, AIOS emphasizes community education, safety practices, and early medical intervention to prevent irreversible vision loss.¹ These initiatives are key in addressing preventable blindness in India and promoting safer work environments.
Eye injuries can occur in many environments, from homes to industrial settings. Key contributors include:
Domestic accidents: Cooking oil splashes, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and injuries from sharp household tools or toys are frequent causes.⁴
Occupational hazards: Construction, welding, metal grinding, and chemical handling are among the most common sources of workplace-related eye trauma.⁵ These are critical areas requiring improved workplace eye protection and protective eyewear in India and worldwide.⁸
Sports and recreation: Activities such as cricket, badminton, and other contact sports are linked to blunt trauma and high-velocity injuries.⁴
Festive celebrations: Fireworks during Diwali and chemical colours during Holi are frequent causes of seasonal spikes in eye injuries.⁶
Mechanisms of injury range from blunt trauma and penetrating wounds to chemical burns and ultraviolet (UV) exposure.⁵ Early recognition and protection in these environments remain the most effective preventive strategies.
Public health organisations consistently highlight key interventions to reduce the risk of eye injuries:
Use of protective eyewear: Studies show that proper eyewear can prevent up to 90 percent of eye injuries.³ Workers in construction, laboratories, and chemical industries should use goggles with side shields or face shields suitable for their specific tasks.⁸
Hazard awareness and environmental control: Identifying risks such as flying debris or chemical splashes and using guards, screens, or fume hoods can reduce workplace incidents.⁵
Festival and home safety: Maintain a 10–15 ft distance from fireworks, supervise children, and use natural, non-toxic colours during Holi. If any substance enters the eye, flush it immediately with clean water.⁶
Prompt first aid: For chemical burns or penetrating injuries, immediate irrigation and emergency ophthalmic care are vital.⁷
Preventive action is a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to reduce blindness from trauma worldwide.
MedBound Times connected with Dr. Akshay U Nayak, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, Fellowship (Medical Retina), Fellowship (IOL & Cataract), a Consultant Ophthalmologist & Medical Retina Specialist at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, for his insights on eye injuries.
What are some of the most common causes of eye injuries that you encounter in your practice?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: In my practice, I frequently encounter eye injuries from several predictable sources:
Workplace-related trauma tops the list, particularly among workers in construction, manufacturing, and welding. Metal foreign bodies, chemical splashes, and flying debris are common culprits. What’s concerning is that many of these injuries occur when workers briefly remove protective eyewear for “just a moment.” In fact majority of them don’t even wear them.
Domestic accidents are surprisingly prevalent. Cooking oil splashes, cleaning chemical exposures, and injuries from wire brushes. Children frequently present with injuries from sharp objects like pencils, toys, or projectiles from rubber bands and toy guns. Sports‐related injuries, especially from cricket balls, shuttlecocks, and contact sports, constitute another major category.
Ocular injury from these high-velocity impacts can cause serious damage including bleeding inside your eye, retinal tears, fracture of bones around eye, or even eyeball rupture. Road traffic accidents often result in severe ocular injury with associated facial injuries, requiring immediate comprehensive management.
Festivals like Diwali or Holi often lead to eye-related accidents. What safety measures should families follow during these celebrations?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: Festivals unfortunately bring a surge in preventable eye injuries.
During Diwali:
Never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised – this cannot be overstated
Maintain a safe distance of at least 10-15 feet from fireworks displays
Wear protective eyewear, especially when lighting fireworks
Never attempt to relight “dead” firecrackers – they cause numerous injuries each year
Keep a bucket of water and first aid supplies readily available
Spectators, especially children, should watch from enclosed areas like balconies when possible
During Holi:
Use only natural, organic colours verified as safe – many synthetic colours contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals
Apply a protective layer of coconut or mustard oil around the eyes before playing
Wear sunglasses or protective glasses to create a physical barrier
Never forcibly apply colour near someone’s eyes
If colour enters the eye, flush immediately with clean water – never rub
Avoid playing near children who are too young to protect themselves
Families should have clear safety rules before festivals
How common are occupational eye-injuries among industrial or construction workers in India? What safety practices are often ignored?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: Occupational eye injuries represent a largely preventable epidemic.
High-risk occupations include:
Welders (exposure to ultraviolet radiation causing arc eye/welder’s flash)
Construction workers (flying debris, cement particles)
Chemical industry workers (acid and alkali burns)
Metal workers and machinists (metal foreign bodies)
Agricultural workers (pesticide exposure, plant material injuries)
Commonly ignored safety practices:
The most critical oversight is inconsistent use of protective eyewear. Workers often remove safety goggles due to discomfort, fogging, or inconvenience, especially during brief tasks where “nothing has happened before.” This false sense of security leads to most injuries.
Other ignored practices include:
Lack of proper side shields on safety glasses, allowing particles to enter from the open side ends of glasses
Using damaged or scratched protective equipment that impairs vision
Inadequate training on chemical handling and emergency eyewash station locations
Poor maintenance of machinery guards and shields
Absence of regular safety audits and enforcement.
Not providing task-appropriate eye protection (welding requires different protection than chemical work)
Employers must make it mandatory and a safety culture with zero tolerance for non-compliance.
How critical is immediate medical attention after an eye injury? Are there common mistakes people make before reaching a hospital?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: Time is vision when it comes to eye injuries. The urgency varies by injury type, but delaying treatment can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent vision loss. Chemical injuries represent true ocular emergencies – every second counts. Alkali burns (from lime, cement, drain cleaners) are particularly devastating as they continue penetrating deeper into ocular tissues.
Immediate, copious irrigation is essential, followed by urgent ophthalmological care. Penetrating injuries require immediate attention to prevent serious eye infection (endophthalmitis) and preserve the structural integrity of the eyeball. Even small foreign bodies can lead to serious infections or inflammatory reactions if not removed promptly.
Common Pre-Hospital Mistakes:
The most dangerous mistake is rubbing the injured eye – this can worsen corneal abrasions, embed foreign bodies deeper, or cause further damage to a ruptured eyeball.
Other critical errors include:
Applying pressure to a potentially ruptured eye – this can extrude intraocular contents
Attempting to remove embedded foreign bodies with fingers, cotton, or tweezers is big “No.”
Applying ointments, oils, or home remedies before medical evaluation
Delaying treatment for “minor” injuries that seem to improve initially but worsen later
Not protecting the injured eye during transport to hospital
Applying ice directly to the eye rather than over a protective shield
Forcefully opening the eyelid when there’s swelling or suspected penetration
Many patients also underestimate injuries, assuming vision will return on its own, only to present days later with infections or irreversible damage.
What are some first-aid steps people can take right after an eye injury while waiting for professional care?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: Proper first aid can significantly impact outcomes. Here’s what people should do while awaiting professional care:
For Chemical Injuries (MOST URGENT):
Begin continuous irrigation immediately – don’t wait to reach a hospital
Use clean water, saline, or any available clean fluid
Flush for at least 15-20 minutes, holding eyelids open
Remove contact lenses if present and easily removable
Continue flushing while travelling to the hospital
Bring the chemical container to help identify the substance
For Foreign Body Sensation:
Do NOT rub the eye
Blink repeatedly to encourage natural tear flushing
Pull upper eyelid over lower eyelid to help dislodge particles
Rinse gently with clean water or saline
If the object is visible on the surface and loose, very gentle flushing may help
Never attempt to remove embedded objects
Cover the eye with a clean cloth and seek medical care
For Blunt Trauma (e.g., with ball):
Apply a cold compress (ice in a cloth, never directly on eye) to reduce swelling
Have the person rest with eyes closed
Protect the eye with a rigid shield (a paper cup works if nothing else is available)
Avoid applying pressure
Seek immediate medical evaluation even if vision seems normal
For Cuts or Penetrating Injuries:
Do NOT wash out the eye, apply pressure, or remove any objects
Protect the eye with a rigid shield without touching the eye
Avoid any pressure on the globe
Keep the person calm and still to prevent further damage
Cover both eyes if possible (reduces synchronised eye movement)
Seek emergency care immediately
General Principles:
When in doubt, protect and seek professional help
Both eyes often need to be covered to prevent consensual eye movement
Keep the person as still and calm as possible
Never apply medications without medical guidance
Don’t eat or drink (in case surgery is needed)
As we mark Eye Injury Prevention Month, what closing thoughts or key takeaways would you like to share with our readers about fostering a culture of eye safety in everyday life?
Dr. Akshay U Nayak: Eye injuries are often life-changing events that occur in preventable circumstances. The key messages I emphasise to patients are:
Prevention is infinitely better than treatment – most eye injuries are avoidable
Protective eyewear works – but only when worn consistently
Speed matters – seek immediate care for any significant eye injury
When in doubt, get it checked – seemingly minor injuries can have serious consequences
Creating a culture of eye safety—at home, at work, and during celebrations—requires sustained education and behavioural change.
India’s large industrial workforce, growing urban construction sectors, and vibrant festivals make the issue of eye injury prevention particularly relevant. Domestic accidents involving chemicals and cooking oil are also widespread. Access to ophthalmological care remains uneven across rural areas, emphasizing the need for preventive awareness and education.
Community programmes promoting consistent use of protective eyewear, prompt first-aid, and early medical intervention can substantially reduce ocular trauma cases.
Eye Injury Prevention Month reminds us that most eye injuries are preventable with the right precautions.
Protective eyewear is a simple but highly effective measure in both home and work settings.
Prompt and correct first-aid, followed by professional care, is critical, especially in chemical burns or trauma.
Festivals, sports, domestic chores and industrial tasks all carry eye-injury risk and require appropriate vigilance.
In the Indian context, the observance can help focus attention on workplace safety, home safety, festival safety and public education.
Action checklist:
Wear certified protective eyewear in high-risk work or DIY settings.
Supervise children during festivals and maintain safe distance from fireworks.
Keep an emergency eyewash/saline, rigid eye shield, and first-aid supplies at home and workplace.
Establish safety rules for Holi and Diwali early, and choose non-toxic colours.
Train staff in construction/manufacturing sectors on PPE, eyewash procedures and eyewear compliance.
Are eye injuries preventable?
Yes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) estimates that nearly 90% of eye injuries are preventable with proper protective eyewear and awareness.
What are the common causes of eye injuries at home?
Common causes include cooking oil splashes, cleaning chemical exposure, DIY accidents, and toys or sharp objects, especially involving children.
What should I do if a chemical enters my eye?
Immediately rinse your eyes continuously with clean water or saline for 15–20 minutes and seek emergency ophthalmic care without delay.
What are Diwali and Holi eye safety tips?
During Diwali, maintain a 10–15 ft distance from fireworks, supervise children, and wear protective glasses. During Holi, use natural colors, apply oil around eyes, and never rub your eyes if color enters.
Which eyewear prevents eye injury?
Certified safety goggles or face shields appropriate for the task (construction, welding, chemicals) significantly reduce risk.⁸
When should I see a doctor after an eye injury?
If there is pain, vision changes, bleeding, or a foreign object in your eye — or if chemicals were involved — seek immediate professional treatment.
All India Ophthalmological Society. “Eye Observation Month.” AIOS.org. Accessed October 2025. https://aios.org/article-256-eye-observation-month.php.
University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology. “October Is Eye Injury Prevention Month.” eye.ufl.edu, October 2020. https://eye.ufl.edu/2020/10/02/october-is-eye-injury-prevention-month/.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Eye Health Statistics.” aao.org. Accessed October 2025. https://www.aao.org.
Maryland Eye Consultants & Surgeons. “Eye Injury Prevention Month.” mdeye.org. https://www.mdeye.org/content/july-eye-injury-prevention-month.
Health & Safety Institute. “Eye Injury Prevention Month.” hsi.com. https://hsi.com/blog/eye-injury-prevention-month.
Eduardo Besser, M.D. “Eye Injury Prevention Tips.” eduardobessermd.com. https://www.eduardobessermd.com/blog/eye-injury-prevention.
Prestige Emergency Room. “Eye Injury Prevention Month.” prestigeer.org, July 25, 2024. https://prestigeer.org/2024/07/25/eye-injury-prevention-month/.
World Health Organization. World Report on Vision. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-vision.
