Eye Injuries – What To Do

As we say goodbye to Christmas, we make resolutions to begin those DIY projects in our homes we’ve not quite got around to. There are over 2.5 million eye injuries every year, and half of those injuries happen at home.  The good news is 90 percent of them are preventable, or easily treatable with straightforward safety tips, using the correct eye protection or following simple instructions should something happen.

Buy Safety Goggles Before You Start

When using any kind of machinery or tools in the home safety goggles will provide the best protection.  You may think that simple DIY tasks aren’t high risk, but using any kind of saw, cutting machinery or tools can potentially lead to foreign objects getting into our eyes.

Most home improvement projects, from painting the kitchen to building garden decking involve materials or tools that could be hazardous to the eyes.  Painting and sanding are common causes of eye injuries. With hazardous chemicals and solvents, splashes to the eye can cause problems and damage.

Always Read Instructions on Packaging

Household chemicals such as bleach or paint cause as many as 125,000 eye injuries every year.  Always read the labels on any chemical product before using. They will provide instructions for that particular product should an accident happen. It’s advised to wear safety goggles or glasses to protect against splashes when handling.

Be Prepared with Eye Injury First Aid

Eye injuries tend to fall into two major categories: foreign body in the eye and foreign body penetration of the eye. When it’s the latter, the best thing to do is immediately seek medical attention. Try not attempt to remove the foreign body and do not touch the eye. Cover the eye with a rigid shield (such as a paper cup taped in place) to keep it from being disturbed, and get to the hospital immediately.

When it’s the former, it’s still best to avoid touching the eye and to seek medical attention in case the damage is more serious than it looks.

Our Advice? Purchase a pair of safety goggles or glasses to keep in the home for use when cleaning or undertaking any home improvements.