Do-it-yourself problems result in 30,000 eye injuries annually

September 2, 2010

According to a new report released by The College of Optometrists, there are an estimated 30,000 eye injuries each year that result from people taking on home improvement projects. Around 89 percent of people do not wear proper protective eyewear when undertaking these improvements.

The majority of these injuries are caused by activities that involve wood and metal working, which can cause bits of material to fly into one's eyes. Around 45 percent of people who undertake such tasks admit to not having a lot of information about the projects, but proceed anyway.

The College of Optometrists urges those who plan on undertaking any project including hammering, chiseling, drilling, stripping paint, splitting tiles or concrete slabs, welding, painting ceilings or laying insulation to wear safety goggles or spectacles.

"If you wear spectacles or contact lenses, these will not protect your eyes sufficiently, and protective eyewear should be worn on top to ensure adequate protection," said Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists. "If you do experience an eye injury, it is important to not rub the eye, and you should seek medical assistance immediately."

The American Optometric Association lists chemicals, radiation, projectiles and bloodborne pathogens as possible work-related eye hazards.