Protect your eye
Protecting your remaining eye
Your one good eye does the work of two. The good news: most serious eye injuries are preventable, and a few simple habits go a long way.
Why this matters
With one working eye, there is no backup. That can feel frightening, but it is also empowering, because protecting your eye is largely in your hands. Eye care experts estimate that around nine in ten serious eye injuries could be prevented with proper protection. Build a few habits now and you remove most of the risk.
Three habits that protect your sight
Wear real protection
Polycarbonate lenses for daily wear, and rated safety glasses for sport, tools, and yard work. Everyday glasses are not enough.
Get checked regularly
Having one eye is a reason for more frequent exams, not fewer. Ask your eye doctor how often is right for you.
Know the warning signs
Learn the symptoms that need urgent care, so a treatable problem never becomes a permanent one.
Choosing eyewear that actually protects
- Everyday lenses: ask for polycarbonate. It is lightweight and far more impact resistant than standard lenses. If you do not need a prescription, plain polycarbonate glasses still protect.
- Safety glasses: for tools, DIY, and yard work, use eyewear rated to a recognised impact standard (look for ANSI Z87 in North America, or the EN 166 mark in Europe).
- Sport: use sport goggles made for your activity. Many sports have their own impact standards.
- Sun: wrap around sunglasses with UV protection guard against glare and debris.
- Sports to avoid: boxing and full contact martial arts cannot be made safe for a one eyed person, because the eye cannot be protected. Most other sports are fine with the right goggles.
See a doctor urgently if you notice
- A sudden shower of floaters, or flashes of light
- A dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision
- Sudden blurring, distortion, or loss of vision
- Eye pain, strong new light sensitivity, or redness that does not settle
These can be signs of a problem that is very treatable when caught early. When it is your only eye, never wait and see. Get it checked the same day.
You have got this
Protecting your eye becomes second nature. Explore the rest of the guides when you are ready.
