I recently met with my optometrist, Dr. Richard Butz, to discuss eye safety in the garden. He, too, is an avid gardener and at my appointments we enjoy talking about our gardens.
Every year I plant hyacinth bean vine (one of his favorites) and he plants heliotrope (one of my favorites) and our gardens benefit from our friendship. Besides wearing sunglasses with ultra-violet protection to help prevent cataracts and changes to the cornea, Dr. Butz recommends wearing a broad brimmed hat as well. If you are mowing or using power tools of any sort, you should wear a safety shield – alone, or over your glasses or sunglasses. When you apply chemicals to your garden, wear protective eye wear. Safety shields are available at hardware stores and are inexpensive.
Dr. Butz recommends calling your eye doctor if you suspect you’ve injured your eyes. Even if it is outside of office hours, it is best not to wait. A little speck in the eye may easily be removed at first, but after a couple of days it becomes more difficult. The eye doctor’s office has specialized equipment that makes it possible to diagnose and treat the problem.
An optometrist can prescribe antibiotics and other medications. Call your eye doctor if your eye hurts and the pain continues to increase or if you experience tearing and sensitivity to light. An optometrist can also treat “pink eye.”
Dr. Butz is dismayed when an injured patient “didn’t want to bother him” and waits until Monday to call and is then in a world of hurt. Like most doctors, Dr. Butz has on his after-hours voicemail a phone number you can use to call him. Use it!
Another hazard to our eyes is that when we garden, we often are so focused on the little task we are doing—like reaching to cut a bloom or pick a tomato—that we don’t see the stem or twig in the way and poke ourselves unexpectedly. Pay attention to your surroundings and protect yourself from injury.
You can contact Dr. Butz at Professional Eyecare Center, 1112 S. Washington St., or call (630) 355-6878. Stop in to check out the extensive sunglasses selection, no appointment necessary.
Our gardens are lovely this summer. Be sure to take the time to look at the beauty you have created.
