DIY 'causes 30,000 eye injuries a year'

An estimated 30,000 eye injuries every year are caused by people doing DIY, experts warned today.

Nine out of 10 people fail to wear goggles to protect their eyes when carrying out home improvements, according to the College of Optometrists.

Carpentry, general repairs and decorating pose the biggest threat, due to flying wood, metal and concrete chips.

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But goggles should be worn for all activities where there is a risk, including hammering, chiselling, drilling, stripping paint, splitting tiles or concrete slabs, welding, painting ceilings and laying insulation.

Although 45 per cent of people surveyed for the College said they did not know much about DIY, most like to give it a go.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College, said: "You only have one pair of eyes so it's vital to protect them when undertaking certain DIY tasks.

"Generally the rule of thumb is that if there is a risk of any foreign bodies entering the eye, wearing protective eyewear is essential.

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"Always follow the instructions that come with the tools and equipment you will be using and ensure you wear the protective clothing suggested.

"Another common activity that can lead to eye injury is gardening.

"You don't need to wear goggles for this, but some spectacles or sunglasses can be useful to protect against canes when bending down weeding or pruning – when branches can whack you in the face."

The college recommends people check that their goggles conform to European standards, listed as BSEN 166.

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Itt warned ordinary glasses and contact lenses did not offer enough protection.

Dr Blakeney said: "If you do experience an eye injury, it is important to not rub the eye, and you should seek medical assistance immediately."

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