Health library

Feb. 27, 2025—Whether you're cleaning, doing a DIY project or cooking dinner, nothing can derail your day like an eye injury.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), nearly half of all eye injuries take place at home. And they can happen when you're doing the most ordinary things.

Eye safety hazards

Everyday activities can come with surprising risks. Watch out for these household hazards:

Cleaning. Household cleaning products such as bleach and other disinfectants, degreasers and oven cleaners contain dangerous chemicals that can damage your eyes or even blind you.

Cooking. Hot grease spatters and spicy foods can injure your eyes. And the tears that cloud your eyes when you chop onions could lead to an accident with a knife.

Home repairs. Using tools around your home? Nails, screws and shards of wood or other materials—and even the tools you're using—can fly through the air.

Falls. You might not think that falling could injure your eyes, but falls are a top cause of eye injuries, says the AAO. That's especially true for people 60 and older.

Eye makeup. Cosmetics that contain glitter can irritate and infect your eyes. So can false eyelashes and the products used to attach them to your lash line. Old makeup and harsh makeup removers are potential dangers too.

Practice these precautions

• Get a pair—or several—of safety glasses or goggles. Make sure they say they are approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Wear them when cleaning and doing home improvement projects.
• Read instructions and safety warnings before using any household cleaning products.
• When cooking, use a lid or a splatter shield to protect your eyes from oil or other ingredients. If you're working with spicy foods, like peppers, wash your hands carefully afterwards or wear gloves while handling them.
• Chilling onions in the freezer for a few minutes before chopping them will reduce their irritating effects. Sweet onion varieties are also less irritating to your eyes.
• Take steps to prevent falls. Check regularly around your home for slippery rugs, open cabinets, spills and other things that could cause someone to fall.
• Avoid using makeup that contains glitter. When it comes to false eyelashes, it's best to have a professional apply them. Toss any eye makeup older than three months.
• Use petroleum jelly or baby shampoo to gently and safely remove eye makeup.
• If something splashes into your eye, immediately flush it with plenty of water.
• Go to the emergency room if you feel like something is in your eye, or if you experience continuing pain, blurry vision, tearing or redness.

A deeper look

Learn more about protecting your vision—and how to recognize eye emergencies—in our Eyes health topic center.

Sources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Eye Injury Prevention." https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/preventing-injuries.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Eye Safety at Home: Preventing Eye Injuries." https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-in-home.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. "How to Use Cosmetics Safely Around Your Eyes." https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-makeup.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Kitchen Eye Safety Tips." https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eight-kitchen-safety-tips.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. "No More Tears: Here's How to Chop Onions Without Crying." https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/stop-onions-from-making-you-cry.