Into DIY? Start with the right eye protection

We've all had a go at a DIY project during one of the lockdowns in the last couple of years, and let's face it, we often do so without having all the right gear, or taking into consideration what we need to do to keep safe.  Studies have shown an increase in the instance of eye injuries during COVID-19 due to tackling home improvements.  So if you've found a taste for DIY, read on to find out how you can keep your eyes safe and avoid eye injuries (it's useful for those who play sport too!).  Thanks to our head office team for putting together this list of tips.

Eye injuries can happen anytime, anywhere whether at work or while cleaning at home or playing sports. In fact, 90% of eye injuries are preventable with the use of appropriate safety eyewear.

Here are seven (7) practical things everyone can do to avoid an eye injury.

1. Get your eyes checked

People with uncorrected or reduced vision are more likely to have an eye injury. Proper vision correction is the first line of defense. If you already have glasses, make sure your prescription is correct and up-to-date.

2. Ordinary eye wear isn’t enough

It is a misconception that your regular glasses or sunglasses provide eye protection from common eye injuries. They don’t. Always buy – and wear – eye protection that complies with Standards Australia (AS/NZS 1337.1:2010).

3. Sunglasses are great protection against the sun

Eye protection from the sun’s UV rays is essential, especially in Australia. Long hours spent working on the garden outdoors has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium.

Remember to slip, slop, slap, and slide on a pair of UV protection sunglasses.

4. At home: identify hazards and eliminate them

There are many simple precautions that you can take to prevent most eye injuries at home.

• • Fix or avoid unsteady surfaces, sharp edges or places poorly-lit
  • Keep sharp tools and kitchen utensils away from small children
  • Keep chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, and pool cleaning products locked away.

5. At work: ask for eye protection and wear it

Proper eye protection on the job prevents thousands of eye injuries each year, and employers in Australia are legally obligated to provide it. Ask your boss for proper eye protection glasses to wear on the job. Ensure your eye safety glasses fit properly to provide maximum protection, ensure they are cleaned and maintained and make sure you wear them.

6. Protective eyewear playing sport

Sports Medicine Australia strongly recommends that athletes wear appropriate protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries. They advise using eye protectors that comply with Standards Australia designation for sports eye guards (AS/NZS 4066-1992).

7. Show and tell young athletes to protect their eyes

Lead by example. Show young kids who are playing sport that eye protection is important by wearing safety eyewear yourself when you play sport. Tell them that they won’t be able to perform at their best unless they can see. An eye injury can wipe out years of training… in the blink of an eye.

If you've experienced an eye injury, don't delay, give us a call on 07 3463 0349 or book in online for an appointment.