A: Here are some tips to make landscaping safer:

• Wraparound safety glasses (ideally goggles) are a must for simple gardening, weed whacking, hedge trimming and lawn mowing. Most people mistakenly believe that their eyeglasses are adequate protection against flying debris. However, rocks, twigs and other objects can fly into the eye with great force from the side, above or below ordinary glasses or sunglasses. Severe injuries can result and may lead to permanent loss of vision or loss of the eye despite surgery. Safety glasses are inexpensive, easily available at hardware stores and will fit over regular eyeglasses or sunglasses.

• Also, bystanders -- especially children -- should stay far away from adults who are using power tools like weed whackers, hedge trimmers or lawn mowers. A stone can fly out from a lawn mower, hit a bystander and cause serious harm. Parents should ensure that children are supervised and wearing safety glasses while gardening.

• Gardening-related eye injuries are especially dangerous because fungal infections of the eye are more likely to occur, and these can be difficult to treat. Sometimes, the victim is merely potting a plant or bending over to admire a flower. Tall, thin plants or thin oncoming branches are easily overlooked and can scratch the eye, depositing bacteria and fungus, which can lead to an infection.

• Pesticides and other chemicals can splash into the eyes, causing chemical burns. Lime, an alkaline agent used to change soil pH, is especially dangerous. The wind can blow lime powder into the eye while it is being spread, and even a small amount in the eye can cause devastating burns and permanent vision loss. Always read and follow product use labels carefully and keep children away from chemicals.

• Always seek medical care from your local hospital emergency department or ophthalmologist for any eye injury to reduce the possibility of permanent vision loss.