Eye safety

Your place of work and the tasks you do at work influence the steps you can take to protect your eyes.

Office work and computer use

You can't harm your eyes by using a computer. Computers don't cause permanent changes to your eyes or make any eye conditions you may have worse. There is no evidence that the blue light from screens is harmful to your eyes. However, the following points will help keep your eyes comfortable while using any type of screen.

• Take frequent breaks from your screen. Your eyes can become tired when you use them for long periods. Taking frequent breaks from the screen can help to reduce tired eyes and headaches. The 20, 20, 20 rule suggests taking a break of at least 20 seconds, every 20 minutes and to look at least 20 feet away.
• Good lighting is important for your vision. Make sure the general lighting in your room is adequate for what you are doing. Try to avoid any glare or reflections on the screen itself as this can be uncomfortable.
• A display screen equipment assessment will check that the height, quality and position of your screen is optimal. If you use display screen equipment regularly for an hour or more a day, your employer should provide an assessment. If you need to wear glasses, wear them when using the computer. Keep your glasses prescription up to date by getting your eyes tested regularly. If you use display screen equipment for a continuous period of an hour or more a day, then your employer should provide or pay for an eye test.
• Some people may need a different pair of glasses that are just for using a computer. These are different than glasses for closer reading or seeing things in the distance. You should ask your optometrist if you feel that your reading glasses aren't helping you when using your computer screen. It is a good idea to take with you details of your workstation and the distance between your eyes and the screen. Your employer should pay towards the cost of glasses if you need them solely/specifically for your computer. .
• Wearing the right glasses for your computer screen will help you see clearly. You may find you have to wear your glasses a little more for computer work to help prevent tiredness. This is normal. Using screens won’t directly make your glasses prescription worse

Industrial or chemical work

If you work in a factory, garage, laboratory or other industrial place then your eyes may be at risk from the work you do. You should protect your eyes if you work with machinery. Especially if it does any kind of pressing or grinding. You should also protect your eyes if you use chemicals or work in a place with lots of dust or particles in the air.

These points may help keep your eyes safe:

• Wear the correct eye protection - your employer should provide the correct protection for you and for each job you may have to perform.
• Welding should always be undertaken using a welding mask. The bright light of a welding torch can cause permanent damage to the cornea and the retina.
• All chemicals should be handled with care following manufacturers or site-specific instructions.
• If you are watching someone work in an industrial environment,s you should also wear eye protection as if you are doing the task.
• Wash your hands before touching your face to prevent transferring dust or chemicals to your eyes
• Do not work alone, have someone near in case you need help
• Keep a first aid kit and phone handy

In case of an accident to your eye

• Do not rub your eye as this make the injury worse
• Go to A&E as soon as possible

There are some leisure activities which pose an increased risk for your eyes. Some simple steps will keep your eyes safe and not get in the way of your enjoyment.

Do it yourself

Lots of people enjoy DIY, but unfortunately accidents can happen. A lot can be done to keep your eyes as safe as possible while you put those shelves up!

• Wear appropriate eye protection. Use goggles when you're sawing, sanding, drilling, hammering or any activity that causes dust or air particles. It's easy for large particles to enter your eye and cause serious damage. Fine particles of dust and debris can also cause problems. Safety goggles, which can be bought from most DIY shops, can help you prevent these accidents entirely.
• Keep your tools in good condition. Make sure that you use the right tool for the job, as improvising can lead to serious accidents. Have good lighting to see what you're doing. Wear any glasses you may normally use to see things clearly.
• Read manufacturers' instructions carefully, especially when using any kind of chemicals. Some chemicals should only be used while wearing eye protection. This is to prevent chemical splash injuries. These can have serious consequences for sight.
• Make sure aerosols are pointing away from your face when they are used.
• Don't over stretch yourself. Many accidents happen when people attempt jobs that are too difficult for them. Gas and electrical work should always be carried out by qualified individuals.

Gardening

Simple safety precautions in the garden can help you prevent eye injuries.

• Always inspect your lawn for debris before you start to mow as flying stones, or wood can cause eye damage.
• Be aware of low branches and take care when pruning. Protecting your eyes with safety goggles greatly reduces the risk of accidents.
• Mark the top of any canes with something brightly coloured to make them easier to see. This can avoid nasty accidents.
• If you use chemicals in your garden, read manufacturers' guidelines carefully. Most chemicals should be kept away from the eyes. It is sensible to wear safety goggles when using them, especially when covering large areas.

Sport

The following are ideas which may help protect your eyes when playing sport.

• Protect your eyes from UV light when playing sports outside. Sunlight gives off UV rays, which can harm your eyes over time and may lead to cataracts, skin cancer, or damage to your retina. Wearing UV protective eyewear helps reduce these risks, so you can focus on enjoying your sport safely.
• Protect your eyes from injury. Impact from sports equipment and other participants can cause injury. As can foreign bodies such as dust and mud from a sports pitch. Your eyes may also benefit from protection from pollen in the summer. Your optometrist or dispensing optician can advise what type of eyewear can protect you from these things.
• If you play a racquet sport, like tennis or squash then you need to be careful. It is best to use eye protection while playing. This is especially important when playing squash. This is because the size of the ball and the speed at which it travels could cause serious damage if it hits your eye. England Squash, the sport's governing body, has guidelines and rules for the use of eye protectors in their sport. There's also a British standard for eye protection suitable for squash. BS EN 18527-2:2021. Eye protection must be worn by all junior players (under 19) during any competition, including when competing in adult age groups. It is also mandatory for players of all ages when playing in doubles competitions.
• Contact sport such as rugby, martial arts or boxing has the potential to cause eye damage. Proper training and supervision can be important to make sure your eyes are safe. If you've had any eye problems in the past, then you should ask your ophthalmologist whether it's advisable to take part in contact sports. This is especially important if you’ve had surgery to your eye.
• If you wear glasses to improve your vision, it's best to wear them when you're playing any sport. This is both for your ability and for safety. Ask your optometrist or dispensing optician about correcting your vision while playing your sport. You may usually wear glasses everyday but for sport you may want to try contact lenses.

Eye makeup is a fun way to show your style, and most people use it without problems. But your eyes are delicate, so it’s important to look after them. Here are some simple tips:

• Start with clean hands: Always wash your hands before putting on or taking off makeup. This helps stop germs from getting into your eyes.
• Insert contact lenses first: If you wear contacts, put them in before applying makeup.
• Choose eye-safe products: Only use cosmetics specifically designed for the eye area.
• Check expiry dates: Old or expired makeup can lead to infections, so replace products regularly.
• Don’t share makeup or tools: Sharing brushes or applicators can spread germs.
• Avoid adding liquids: Never mix water or saliva with your makeup, as this adds germs.
• Skip the inner lash line: Applying makeup inside the eyelid can block the glands that keep your eyes lubricated and make your eyes sore
• Be careful with false lashes: Adhesives may trigger allergic reactions. If you wear contact lenses, it may affect how they fit and your vision.
• Be careful with glitter: Glitter can be made of sharp pieces which can scratch the eye. If you use it, make sure it’s eye-safe and take care putting it on and taking it off.
• Remove makeup before bed: Sleeping in makeup can irritate your eyes and skin.
• Use a gentle eye makeup remover: This helps clean off makeup without tugging the delicate skin around your eyes.
• Clean your tools regularly: Wash brushes and applicators often to keep them free from bacteria.

Fireworks are beautiful, but they can cause serious eye injuries. Here’s how to enjoy them safely.

• Go to a public display: It’s the safest way to watch fireworks.
• Wear protective eyewear: if you’re handling or near fireworks. You can wear these over your glasses
• Read the instructions carefully: Use a torch and never use a naked flame
• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
• Hold sparklers at arm’s length: and put them in a bucket of water when finished. Never give sparklers to children under five.
• Keep your distance when lighting fireworks and move away straight after. Stay at least 25 metres from big fireworks (category 3).
• Never go back to a firework once it’s lit: it could explode
• Always watch children closely. Never leave them alone with sparklers.
• Use fireworks that meet British Standards: look for BS 7114 on the box.

If someone gets an eye injury from a firework get medical help straight away.

As well as keeping your eyes safe here’s how you can make a positive difference to your eye health:

• having a regular eye examination,
• stopping smoking,
• eating healthily
• protecting your eyes from the sun