Many eye hazards lurk when tackling cleaning chores. Folks get into the swing of the job, and all of a sudden, a cleaner or chemical spatters up into the face. Or dust fills the air. Both these situations pose hazards to skin in general and to the eyes in particular. That’s why HousekeepingChannel.com recommends using eye protection during many tasks.

 

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U.S. government experts estimate that more than 125,000 household eye injuries requiring medical attention occur yearly. Sources of these injuries include chlorine bleach and various cleaners, polishes, pesticides and herbicides. At least 90 percent of these injuries are preventable through use of safety goggles.

Plastic goggles that “wrap around” the face, protecting the sides of the eyes, offer the best protection for tasks described on this site. Light-duty goggles suitable for occasional household use cost $5 to $20. They’re available in hardware stores, home centers and paint stores.

While prescription safety glasses may protect your eyes during some tasks, they aren’t made to protect the sides of the eyes. Many safety goggles are large enough to fit over prescription frames.

If you wear soft or “gas-permeable” contact lenses, it’s best to remove them before using any chemical. Vapors may be absorbed by these lenses, causing eye irritation — or worse.