With the holiday season upon us, it is time to deep fry turkeys and cook many other sides. But with that comes potential eye-cooking dangers. Protect your eyes and avoid common eye hazards with these kitchen eye safety tips for the holidays.
Wear safety glasses when working with hot grease.
When cooking with hot grease and oil, it can easily splash and burn your cornea. This is a fairly common injury, but it doesn’t have to be. Wear safety glasses or use a grease shield to protect your eyes.
If hot grease splashes into your eye, remember these kitchen eye safety tips: immediately flush it with water and avoid anti-redness drops. Artificial tears may soothe your eyes after a small amount gets into your eye, but if you experience excessive pain, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Watch for bubbling sauces and splashing liquids.
Like grease and oil, any liquid in your eye can be painful, and sauces and other liquids can be especially dangerous.
Many of these liquids can be acidic and cause eyes to sting, and others, such as liquid from raw chicken, can contain bacteria that can lead to eye infections. Simmering sauces can splash into your eyes and burn or even blister.
If you get liquids in your eyes when cooking, flush your eyes with water.
Be careful when working with spicy food.
Are spicy ingredients a staple in your kitchen? Remember to refrain from touching your eyes when using your hands to cook with spicy foods or seasonings. Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing spicy foods.
Another way to avoid spice residue in your eyes is to wear gloves while working with spices or chopping vegetables.
Stay aware when working with sharp objects.
Sharp objects are one of the leading causes of eye injuries. When using tools such as knives, forks, scissors and other objects, be extra careful and store and place them away from edges and out of children’s reach.
Keep raw meat away from your eyes.
As mentioned before, when cooking with liquids, keep raw meat and its juices away from your eyes. The bacteria on these meats can lead to eye infections. Symptoms to look for if you get raw meat near your eyes include blurred vision, redness, discharge and pain.
Summary
With these kitchen eye safety tips for the holidays, you are ready to cook a large and delicious meal for your friends and family. And remember, if you experience any eye irritations from cooking, contact your local Mississippi Eye Care clinic.
Until then, continue reading our blogs.
