Gardeners and DIY homeowners warned about eye injuries

Gardeners and DIY homeowners warned about eye injuries

» 31st August 2010 «

Keen gardeners and homeowners who attempt DIY jobs around their property have been warned about the need to wear protective eyewear.

According to the College of Optometrists, an estimated 30,000 eye injuries occur every year in the UK as the result of DIY accidents.

The findings highlight the need for people erecting thatched gazebos, log cabins and other garden buildings to seek specialist help and advice.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the College of Optometrists, noted that gardening is also associated with a high number of eye injuries. She recommended wearing glasses or sun glasses when working in the garden.

"You only have one pair of eyes so it's vital to protect them when undertaking certain DIY tasks," she said.

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

The body stated that 89 per cent of people admit to forgoing protective eyewear when carrying out potentially hazardous DIY tasks.

Posted by Martin Corby