Eye Injury Prevention Month is observed in October and sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nearly 2.5 million people suffer eye injuries each year in the United States, and nearly one million people have lost some degree of vision as a result. Most could have been prevented with protective eyewear.

Eye Injury Prevention Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public that nearly half of all eye injuries occur in the home. In an effort to combat household eye injuries, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart Campaign recommends that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear to be worn when doing projects and activities at home to safeguard against eye injuries.