COVID-19: A sharp rise in DIY-related eye injuries

You may have seen recent reports that hospitals are seeing a sharp rise in serious eye injuries caused by DIY mishaps during lockdown. Patients should be advised to protect their eyes whenever and wherever they are doing work at home or in the garden. Help your patients look after their eyes with our advice on DIY and eye care during lockdown:

Wear protective eyewear

Wear protective eyewear for all activities where there is a risk of objects or liquids entering the eye (e.g. hammering, drilling, welding, painting ceilings or laying insulation). Ordinary glasses and sunglasses don’t offer good enough protection. Invest in good quality goggles or safety glasses that conform to the European Standard BSEN 166, or be prescribed prescription safety goggles by an optometrist.

Don’t touch your face

Avoid touching your face, at least until you have washed your hands. This will help prevent dust or chemicals getting into the eyes.

Don’t work alone

Always have someone else available to help nearby.

Keep a first aid kit and phone handy

Just in case.

In the case of an accident:

• Do not rub your eyes. This could make matters worse.
• Go to A&E as soon as possible.
• Never wash a cut or punctured eye. Cuts should be bandaged lightly if possible. Go to A&E as soon as possible.
• If you get a chemical in your eye, rinse it out with copious amounts of saline eye wash, or running water. Go to A&E as soon as possible.

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