UKIAH — July is National Eye Injury Awareness month. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 2.5 million eye injuries happen in the United States each year. Of those injuries more than half happen in or near the home ? more than injuries at work and school combined.
“Eye injuries happen fast ? in the blink of an eye, you might say,” David B. Scollin, O.D., Lake and Mendocino county optometrist, said. “You have no time to react. That”s why it”s so important to protect your eyes from harm.”
According to Scollin, many of the common eye injuries that afflict the community can be prevented. “Our region of the country is very dry in the summer, sunny and often windy, with small particles of debris floating through the air,” Scollin said. “Likewise many in our community work in the agricultural and trade industries and need to be made aware of eye safety.”
Scollin said, “The most common eye injury I see is a corneal abrasion, which can happen by being poked in the eye from debris like dirt, sand, sawdust and metal. You can prevent these injuries by always wearing the proper eyewear; goggles, protective glasses or sunglasses, especially at home where injuries are actually more common.”
Scollin added, “If your eye is irritated, whatever you do, don”t rub it. Schedule an appointment immediately to have your eye examined and treated as necessary. Treatments include a pressure patch over the eye to help draw out debris and occasional protective contact lenses, eye glasses and sunglasses.”
Scollin has been seeing patients in Mendocino and Lake counties for more than 31 years. His office is located at 1165 S. Dora St., Suite B-1, in Ukiah. To schedule an appointment with Scollin, call 462-0581.
Nick Bejarano is marketing manager of the Ukiah Valley Medical Center.
