Simple steps to reduce eye injury
About 30% of all eye injuries occur around the home. DIY, car repairs and gardening are the most common cause of eye injury that can be prevented by choosing to wear suitable eye protection.
Eye protection to prevent injuries
- is designed for the task you are doing
- fits you correctly
- complies with AS/NZS safety standards
- can have your prescription lenses
Eye Injuries – Chemical Burn
Usual cause:
- Spraying chemicals in the garden,
- cleaning in the home,
- changing the car battery.
Alkaline chemicals are especially dangerous for eyes, so take particular care when using these chemicals, especially powders.
Prevention:
Wear glasses or goggles that have a label that refers to AS/NS1337.1. These can be purchased from workwear specialists, DIY stores and tool shops. When using chemicals work in a well ventilated area and make sure to point spray nozzles away from you.
Treatment:
Do not rub your eye. Immediately flush with clean running water for at least 15 minutes. You may need to hold the eye open with clean fingers.
Visit an eye health professional or GP, or if severe go to the emergency department.
Penetrating Eye Injuries
Often caused by:
- using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger in the garden,
- using hand tools
- children playing with small objects
Prevention:
Wear eye protection where the frame and lenses meet minimum lens dimension requirements of AS/NS1337.1. These can be purchased from workwear specialists and hardware shops.
Treatment:
Do not rub, wash, or flush the eye.
Do not try to remove an embedded object.
Gently cover the injured eye with a pad or shield secured with tape.
Visit an eye health professional or GP, or if severe go to the nearest hospital.
Small particles and irritants
Often caused when using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger in the garden or using hand tools for DIY projects.
Prevention:
Wear glasses or goggles that have a label that meets minimum lens requirements of AS/NS1337.1. These can be purchased from workwear specialists, hardware and tool shops.
Treatment:
Do not rub the eye.
Flush the dust or loose particles out with clean water. You may need to hold the eye open with clean fingers.
You may need to visit an eye health professional or GP, or if severe go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Computers
Even time spent in front of computers, especially where you stare at a monitor for hours on end can affect your eyes.
Computer Vision Syndrome, can lead to pain in your eyes, headaches, burning eyes and blurred vision.
If you experience tired eyes, overall fatigue or discomfort when working at your computer, schedule an eye test and find out if computer glasses are right for you.
Designed Safety Glasses
Don’t rely on your own sunglasses or prescription glasses to protect your eyes from harm. Wearing properly designed safety glasses or safety sunglasses will help prevent potential eye hazards. And you can have safety glasses with your prescription in the lens.
If you want to know more about safety glasses or how to find the right pair for you, please come in and see us.
