If your November traditions include preparing a Thanksgiving meal, this means there will be plenty of time spent in the kitchen, often with family and friends around to add to the chaos and distractions. This is why it’s a great time of year to be reminded of eye safety, particularly when it comes to kitchen safety. With so many holiday traditions involving food, you should be mindful of your eyes and the eyes of those around you while preparing and serving meals and snacks alike. You should especially watch out for the following:
- Kitchen Liquids. If any liquids splash into your eyes while you are cooking or preparing food, take care to properly clean your eyes. Be sure to flush the affected eye or eyes thoroughly with water. Some burning and tearing isn’t atypical with liquids that have some acidity to them, but be mindful that some liquids can cause infection, such as liquids from raw meats. See an eye doctor if your symptoms continue without improvement after the holiday.
- Grease and Hot Liquids. While you are cooking, hot oils and grease frequently splatter from pans and have the potential to cause issues for your skin, clothing, and eyes. Preventative measures against this include goggles, but at the very least you should always use a grease shield or use lids on pans with splattering liquids. This is especially important if you have children or pets in your household that might be closer to eye-level exposure.
- Sharp Objects. Sharp objects commonly found around the house such as knives, forks, and scissors are a major cause of eye injuries, especially among children. If there are children in the household as you cook, take extra care with where you are leaving sharp objects to ensure small hands can’t accidentally grab them. Return items to safe locations after using them. These precautions will help keep your kitchen workspace safe.
- Cleaning Products. In preparation for the holidays, you may be doing some cleaning, both in and out of the kitchen. Don’t forget that cleaning products are dangerous and should be treated accordingly. Wear eye protection while you’re working with cleaning products such as bleach and other chemical cleaners, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid accidental contact with eyes. They can cause serious eye damage if they get in your eyes.
Taking action before anything gets into your eyes can go a long way in protecting your vision this season. If you have additional or specific concerns about eye safety, we are here to help! At Everett and Hurite, our staff can assist you with questions or concerns you may have about eye problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
