Four Types Of Eyesight Threats In The Kitchen

Posted on: 18 May 2017

If you love cooking (or if you must cook), you should know that the kitchen poses some serious threats to your eyesight. Here are a few examples of these, and what you can do to preempt them:

Spices

Spices can get into your eyes in different ways. For example, you can rub your eyes with contaminated hands, the wind can blow up powdery spices into your eyes, and liquid spices can splash up on your face. However, just because they taste great in your food doesn't mean they are good for your eyes.

These measures will keep spices out of your eyes:

  • Where gloves while preparing food
  • Cover up your eyes with goggles
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food
  • Wash your hands every time you want to touch your face, for example, if you need to scratch an itch.

Cooking Oil and Grease

Hot grease may even be more dangerous for your eyes than spices. Something like pepper, for instance, may only cause you serious discomfort but not permanent eye damage. A splash of hot grease, on the other hand, can do serious and permanent damage to your eyes. These tips will help you keep grease out of your eyes:

  • Wear gloves to prevent oil splashes from reaching the eyes
  • Put a lid on your food
  • Use a grease shield
  • Be careful when pouring water into a greasy pan

Cleaning Solutions

It's not just the actual food that can harm your eyes if you are working in the kitchen; cleaning solutions are also dangerous for these sensitive organs. People want their kitchens sparkling clean, which is why they use multiple cleaners such as disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and many other cleaners. Even if you don't like to wear gloves and goggles while cooking, you should force yourself to wear the safety gear before handling a cleaning product. It's also advisable to follow the manufacturers' instructions to the letter to prevent accidents.

Fire

You cannot talk about cooking without mentioning the danger of fire. Embers from barbecue pits, flames from gas ranges, and flames licking on greasy food are common sources of kitchen fires. Tips for preventing kitchen fires include:

  • Staying in the kitchen to watch your food
  • Not wearing loose clothing that can catch fire
  • Maintaining your cooking appliances
  • Unplug electric appliances when not in use
  • Keep your appliances clean
  • Don't overfill your cooking pans

Hopefully, you won't have an eye accident in the kitchen. If you do have one, however, take emergency measures and see an eye doctor, like Dr Joel Zuckerbraun PC, as soon as possible. For example, it's advisable to rinse your eyes with clean running water if something (like a spice) splashes into your eyes.

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