It’s all about the eye, when it comes to DIY…
It’s all about the eye, when it comes to DIY…
We have had two consecutive bank holidays this May already with another looming around the corner at the end of the month. The extra day off is usually a great excuse for house repairs, and those demanding DIY projects that can be simply tackled and ticked off the “to do” list.
But with harmless good intentions can come harmful consequences, and the little jobs of gardening, hammering, cleaning and painting could end up causing an eye injury if measures aren’t put in place to prevent accidents. From drilling to dusting we’ve put together some handy hints and tips on avoiding a mad-dash to A & E over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
Wear protective goggles
We urge you to not carry out any DIY activities without a good pair of protective goggles. Your usual eyewear or contact lenses will not give you the level of protection that you need. They need to be made from plastic and fit snugly around your face so no small particles can find a way in. Whilst you can pick up a pair at a hardware store, goggles can be prescribed so there is no need to sacrifice safety over good vision.
Watch out for chemicals
Many everyday cleaning products, bleaches and detergents can cause injury when spilt and sprayed about during a deep clean. Often they can irritate the eyes and cause stinging or burning, so it is important to wear rubber gloves and keep them out of the reach of children. If you do get chemicals in your eyes, flush them with water immediately. Seek medical assistance if you experience any vision loss.
Worth mentioning the little ones
It’s not only the cleaning products that could be dangerous to children, but also other items associated with DIY. Keep tools and machinery safely guarded, and remember to clear away any loose debris before mowing the lawn - it will avoid any flying bits going into children’s eyes. Also, whilst you're working hard at home, they may be playing harder in the garden. Pay attention to any bats and balls going off target and causing injuries.
What else is out there?
We all feel thoroughly satisfied indulging in a spring clean from time to time, but even dusting the furniture, clearing out the fireplace and sweeping the floors could cause potential eye injuries. If a small particle does end up lodged in your eyes, do not attempt to remove it yourself. The first step should be holding the eye lid open and flushing with water as above. If symptoms worsen then go to A&E, however do not attempt to drive yourself, ask a friend or family member.
Wash your hands
After a hard day using power tools, mowing the lawn or strimming hedges there will no doubt be an ample amount of debris at your fingertips. Wash hands thoroughly before touching your face to limit any little pieces of wood, metal or other materials going into your eyes. Throw any rags or towels into the washing machine too. Small objects entering the eye at speed can cause pain and discomfort so it is always worth preparing for days spent at home repairing and restoring. Having the right kit under your belt will enable you to complete those DIY duties without having to call in the experts. If you have experienced any issues with your vision or suffered a recent eye injury, make an appointment with one of our optometrists at your local practice.