Eye Safety in the Kitchen: How to Protect Your Eyes While Cooking

Did you know that nearly a quarter of all eye injuries happen in the kitchen? From hot grease to cleaning chemicals, the kitchen can be surprisingly dangerous for your eyes. Whether you cook every day or just occasionally, understanding how to protect your vision is an essential part of staying safe.

Here’s what you need to know about common kitchen eye hazards and how to avoid them.

Hot Grease and Oil Burns

Few things hurt more than splattering hot grease. If you’ve ever been hit on the arm, imagine that burn in your eye. Unfortunately, hot oil splashes are one of the most common causes of kitchen-related eye injuries.

How to prevent grease burns

• Use a lid or splatter shield when frying.
• Keep a safe distance from the pan when adding food to hot oil.
• Avoid overfilling pans with grease or liquid.

What to do if hot grease gets in your eye

1. Immediately flush your eye with cool, clean water for at least two minutes.
2. Do not use anti-redness drops, as they may irritate your eye further.
3. Use artificial tears for comfort and see an eye doctor if pain continues.

Watch Out for Other Liquid Splashes

It’s not just grease that can hurt your eyes. Hot liquids, acidic ingredients, and raw juices can all cause irritation or infection.

If a liquid splashes in your eye

• Rinse thoroughly with water to remove the substance.
• Flush longer if the liquid is acidic or irritating.
• Seek medical help if pain or redness persists.

This step is especially important if you wear contact lenses, since liquid splashes can trap residue or bacteria between the lens and your eye.

Keep Hot Peppers and Spices Away From Your Eyes

Hot peppers and spices add great variety to your cooking. However, hot peppers, spices and eyes don’t mix.

When you use these ingredients, they can linger on your hands. Then, when you rub your eyes, even a tiny speck of the the ingredient can get in causing pain, redness, and watery eyes. Some of the most potent spicy foods include:

• Peppers - especially the hot varieties which contain the chemical capsaicin - this is used to make pepper spray
• Onions
• Chilli
• Hot sauce

To prevent this from happening, wear gloves when using hot or spicy ingredients. Also, wash your hands with soap and water after preparing food. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your cutting board, too. If you don’t, the oils can transfer to your fingers the next time you use the board. Finally, do not rub your eyes while cooking.

If you get spicy oils into your eye, do the following:

• Rinse the eye thoroughly with water.
• If this does not stop the burning, wash the area around your eye, as well as your eyelid, with a mild shampoo like baby shampoo. Even if the shampoo says it is safe for eyes, do not put the soap directly into your eye.

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts. If you get spicy oils on your contacts, throw them away and put in a fresh pair.

Cleaning Chemicals and Eye Safety

Cleaning products are a hazard to your eyes. Even if you prefer to cook without wearing goggles, you should always wear goggles when using cleaning products in the kitchen. Many cleaning chemicals can cause eye injuries that may result in blindness. These include chemicals like those found in oven cleaners and bleach products.

If you get cleaning chemicals in your eyes:

• Seek help immediately
• While waiting for help, run clean water over the eye

Do not delay getting emergency medical treatment. Long exposures to these chemicals can cause severe injuries.

Stay Safe with Knives and Other Sharp Instruments

The kitchen is full of sharp objects. Consider the following list:

• Knives
• Scissors
• Forks
• Skewers
• And more

Be extremely careful when using sharp objects. Never point the sharp end of a kitchen tool toward your face. Instead, point it toward the counter or cutting board. Be especially careful when using sharp kitchen tools with children. Accidents with sharp objects are a common cause of eye injuries in children.

If you get something sharp in your eye, call a medical professional right away.

Prevent Trips and Falls in the Kitchen

Falling down is the biggest cause of eye injuries in the United States. When cooking, beware of:

• Open cabinets and drawers
• Slippery spills on the floor
• Loose rugs
• Objects in your path such as chairs or step stools

Look around your kitchen before you start to cook to see if there are any obstacles in your way. Also, remember to close cabinets and drawers after each use. That includes the dishwasher.

Food Myths Can Harm Your Eyes

Believe it or not, some people intentionally put food into their eyes. There are many myths about foods and how they cure eye problems or even change your eye color. Here are some myths to avoid:

• Honey - This does not change the color of your eye
• Tea - This will not cure pink eye.
• Raw Steak - This will not reduce swelling from a blow to the eye. Instead, you are likely to get an infection from the raw meat. Use an ice pack to tone down the swelling.

The best advice is to keep things out of your eyes unless they are made specifically for the eyes.

Essential Tips to Prevent Eye Injuries While Cooking

1. Use Safety Glasses

Safety glasses might not be stylish, but they are effective. Look for ones with the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) seal for proper protection.

2. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Wash with soap and water throughout the cooking process to remove oils, spices, or chemicals that could irritate your eyes. Always wash your hands before touching or removing your contact lenses.

3. Learn Basic Eye First Aid

Even with good precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to respond can make a major difference. Always:

• Flush your eyes immediately with clean water.
• Seek medical attention if the pain persists.
• Have a plan for emergencies before they occur.

Following these eye safety tips in the kitchen, will help prevent eye injuries. In the event of an accident, though, always, seek medical help to avoid long-term damage.

FAQ: Eye Safety in the Kitchen

What should I do if hot oil splashes into my eye?

Rinse your eye with cool water for at least two minutes, use artificial tears for comfort, and contact an eye doctor if pain continues.

Can I wear contact lenses while cooking?

Yes, but be cautious around heat and grease. Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands and replace your lenses if exposed to hot oil or spicy residue.

Is it safe to use bleach or oven cleaner without eye protection?

No. Always wear protective eyewear when using harsh chemicals. Even small splashes can cause severe eye injuries.

What are the most common kitchen-related eye injuries?

Burns from hot oil, irritation from spicy ingredients, and exposure to cleaning chemicals are among the most common.

How can I prevent kitchen eye injuries?

Wear safety glasses, wash your hands frequently, keep your kitchen clean and clutter-free, and avoid using home remedies on your eyes.