Seventh annual survey confirms that men suffer most eye injuries in US

SAN FRANCISCO — Men experience almost three times as many eye injuries as women, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma, as reported in a press release from the AAO.

The seventh annual Eye Injury Snapshot survey, conducted from May 16 to May 23 this year, confirmed that men suffered 73.5% of the 2.5 million eyes injuries reported annually. In addition, the survey found that 52% of these injuries occurred at home, and one in four home-based injuries were sports-related. An additional 25% of annually reported eye injuries stem from home repair activities, with yards and gardens once again topping the list as the most likely locations for injury to occur.

Almost half of all reported eye injuries were suffered by people between the ages of 10 and 64 years, while 12% of injuries occurred among children 12 years old or younger, according to the release.

The survey also found that 40% of eye injuries occur between noon and 7 p.m.

"It is often the most common household chores and activities that can lead to devastating eye injuries," Randolph L. Johnston, MD, president of the AAO, said in the release. "Taking the time to protect your eyes while performing these tasks is the easiest way to protect your sight."

The Academy and ASOT suggest that every household own at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear to be worn when performing risky projects and activities at home.