Eye injuries

20,000 New Zealanders suffer eye injuries each year. A significant proportion of these injuries result in severe visual impairment or even blindness.

Are you at risk?

35-40% of the more severe injuries actually occur in the home and garden.

Injuries can be caused by unexpected things like:

• Plants and twigs
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Lawnmowers and line trimmers

Many are caused by more familiar risks such as sharp nail or metal fragments produced by DIY tools such as hammers, chisels, electric saws and sanding equipment. Chemical splashes from paint strippers, acids/alkalis or even concrete may also produce blinding damage to the surface of the eye.

What are the symptoms of eye injuries?

• Pain and trauma

What you can do?

Around 90% of these accidental eye injuries could be prevented by the use of simple safety spectacles or goggles.