As summer activities gain momentum nationwide, July 2025 has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month, with public health agencies and vision organizations urging Americans to take proactive steps to safeguard their eyesight. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in collaboration with groups like Prevent Blindness and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is spotlighting the critical need for eye protection during this high-risk season.
Each year, more than one million people in the United States suffer eye injuries, many of which occur during recreational or household activities that are more frequent in summer. From yard work and construction to sports and holiday fireworks, the warm-weather months present numerous threats to eye health. Despite the risks, approximately 90% of eye injuries are preventable with the consistent use of appropriate protective eyewear.
Experts warn that common injuries stem from flying debris during lawn mowing or trimming, exposure to harmful chemicals used in gardening and cleaning, and high-speed impacts from sports equipment. According to Dr. Lisa Hamilton, a Chicago-based ophthalmologist, “Eye injuries can happen in an instant and have lasting consequences. Simple precautions, like wearing ANSI Z87.1-certified safety glasses, can make all the difference.”
Fireworks are one of the leading culprits during July, especially around Independence Day celebrations. Often underestimated, sparklers alone can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a serious burn hazard, especially to the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology urges the public to leave fireworks to the professionals and maintain a safe distance during displays.
Outdoor sports, too, contribute significantly to seasonal eye injuries. Activities such as baseball, basketball, and racquet sports pose heightened risks due to fast-moving objects and physical contact. Eye care specialists recommend the use of polycarbonate lenses for athletic eyewear. These lenses are not only shatterproof but also provide essential ultraviolet (UV) protection, reducing the cumulative damage from prolonged sun exposure.
Beyond recreation, the summer season also sees an uptick in home improvement projects. Tasks like painting, sanding, and using power tools can launch dust, wood chips, or metal particles into the air—substances that pose serious risks to unprotected eyes. Protective goggles that seal around the eyes are advised for such work, especially when working with chemicals or high-velocity equipment.
Choosing the right kind of eyewear is essential. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets performance standards for safety lenses, including criteria for impact resistance and protective coverage. Products meeting ANSI standards are widely available and cater to various needs, from sports to industrial work to general household chores.
Eye Injury Prevention Month serves as a nationwide reminder of the importance of eye safety and aims to foster public engagement through education. Schools, community centers, healthcare providers, and employers are encouraged to participate by offering informational sessions, distributing protective eyewear, and sharing eye injury prevention tips.
Dr. Hamilton emphasizes that awareness plays a crucial role in prevention. “By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, we can significantly reduce the incidence of eye injuries. It’s about instilling good habits and making eye protection a standard part of everyday activities.”
To minimize risk, health officials recommend wearing appropriate safety glasses or goggles when engaging in any activity that could pose a threat to the eyes. This includes gardening, home repairs, and any type of sport. Sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays are also essential to protect against sun-related eye damage. Additionally, people are urged to handle household chemicals with care, ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding contact with the eyes. Children, who are particularly vulnerable, should be supervised during play and sports and taught the importance of wearing protective eyewear.
