Spring into (Eye Safety) Action!

As we can now safely say that spring, if not quite summer, has arrived, you might think we’re going to remind you about the need for sunglasses. Think again!

Malcolm Maciver, an academic and optometrist at Leightons Opticians, has “highlighted and warned the public” about the risks to eyes of six activities that we tend to take up in the finer weather. Read on…

1. Bike riding

Cycling “can expose your eyes to dust, pollen and UV rays from the sun which could cause eye irritation. That’s why it’s important to wear UV-protective sunglasses that offer impact-resistant lenses, providing an extra layer of defense against flying debris or accidental knocks during sports or activities,” says Maciver.

Sound advice!

2. Gardening and lawn mowing

 “Wearing safety glasses when gardening or mowing the lawn is highly recommended to protect your eyesight," says Maciver. "Flying debris such as rocks, twigs or even plant fragments can pose a serious threat to your eyes."

As someone too lazy to rake over the lawn before mowing it, I can vouch for this threat.

3. Lighting and cooking on a BBQ

When lighting the BBQ, sparks and hot debris can fly and can cause burns or serious eye injury. "Even once the BBQ is lit, safety eyewear is highly recommended whilst cooking, especially with spicy foods such as chillies or onions."

I’ve never yet goggled-up for a cook-out, but you can’t be too careful…

4. DIY home projects and renovations

Interest in home renovation peaks during the summer months, says Maciver. "Common DIY tasks, such as woodworking, drilling or sanding, can create flying particles that pose a risk and irritation. Additionally, hammering, sawing, or painting can pose a potential risk to your eyes from flying debris, dust, or splashes of paint getting into our eyes... By wearing safety eyewear, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable experience when working on DIY projects or home renovations.”

Again, sound advice!

5. Jump-starting a car

As temperatures rise "the likelihood of cars overheating and potentially breaking down increases," says Maciver. “If you’re faced with a car with a dead battery and need to jump start it, it’s essential to wear safety goggles when starting the car due to the potential hazards associated with battery acid or sparks.”

This isn’t a scenario I strongly associate with summer – or with the need for protective eyewear – but I’ll be adding safety glasses to my shopping list.

6. Spring cleaning

“Wearing safety eyewear during spring cleaning is highly recommended as using cleaning solutions can result in accidental splashes or exposure to irritating fumes. Without protection, these chemicals and substances can splash into contact with the eyes, causing irritation or burning.”

Unfortunately, my home cleaning regimen is not thorough enough for me to encounter these dangers…

Nonetheless, thanks to Malcolm Maciver for venturing to keep us “spring safe!”