Spending more time at home means devoting more time to home improvement projects. Whether you’re tackling a major renovation or a simple painting project, safety—including protecting your eyes—should be a top priority. Even a seemingly minor injury can affect your vision or land you in the eye surgeon’s office, but with the proper precautions, you can complete your DIY project without any harm. 

Common Home Improvement Eye Injuries 

According to eye surgeons, home improvement projects often involve materials or processes that can create hazards to the eye. Some of the most common include:

• Flying debris. Objects such as wood chips or pieces of glass or tile can become projectiles when cut or demolished.
• Chemical splashes. Solvents, cleaning chemicals, and even paint can splash into your eyes. 
• Dust. Dust from projects that involve cutting wood or drywall can get into your eye and cause abrasions or irritations. 
• Tool misuse. Although less common, using tools incorrectly can lead to serious eye injury.

Most eye injuries are preventable if you take the proper safety precautions. 

Protecting Your Eyes During DIY Projects 

The best way to prevent a serious eye injury while working on home improvement projects is to wear adequate eye protection. This means using safety goggles that surround the eye. Regular eyeglasses may provide some protection, but they may not be strong enough to withstand a projectile and could contribute to a more serious injury. Instead, choose safety glasses made from strong polycarbonate that fit your face closely and are approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for safety purposes. 

Other ways to prevent eye injuries include:

• Keeping your work area free of debris and tools to prevent tripping hazards. 
• Taking care while carrying tools; never toss them or drop them on the ground. 
• Preparing for eye first aid. Chemical splashes or foreign objects in the eye can often be rinsed out. If something has penetrated the eye, though, cover the injury and seek immediate medical attention. An eye surgeon may need to remove the object and treat the eye.

If you have experienced an eye injury or just need regular vision care, the experts at Russellville Eye Clinic PA can help. Their skilled team of optometrists, eye surgeons, and friendly staff members can provide routine exams, testing, and treatment to protect your eyes and keep them healthy. Schedule an appointment by calling (479) 968-7302. You can also visit their website for more information.