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When it comes to gardening trends, the ‘grow your own’ movement is seeing remarkable growth, with some 30 million gardeners across the UK looking to green their grey, urban areas. People are happy to cultivate their own gardens to help the environment and save on expenses in the long run. It’s not difficult to start a DIY garden, but it does require preparation and proper equipment.
You may already have considered what to grow and where to do it, but remember that what you wear significantly impacts your gardening journey. A simple garden in your backyard or an apartment balcony may not have the same needs as a larger one, but it still requires safety and comfort considerations.
One major accessory you shouldn’t overlook is eyewear, and there are a few reasons why it’s essential for the DIY gardener.
Protecting your eyes from debris
Every year, around 30,000 people in the UK suffer eye injuries while doing DIY projects. Data has found that 90% of those injured got hurt because they didn’t wear eye protection. It’s bad enough to wear improper gear, but it’s worse when you forgo wearing eyewear entirely because you think you don’t need it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so wear eyewear that matches your activity. You’ll want to wear something that protects your eyes from debris when gardening.
Gardening goggles are designed to help you with more intensive gardening tasks like weed whacking, lawn mowing, and soil working. Those activities, in particular, tend to make various particles fly everywhere. The last thing you want is for debris to hit or get into your eyes. Experts note that eye protection must meet the European Standards BSEN 166 level to be deemed adequate. This ensures that no foreign bodies enter your eyes, protecting you from infection or potential blindness.
Shielding your eyes from the sun
Working with the sun is an inevitable part of DIY gardening, but while the presence of bright rays is terrific for your garden, it can also spell trouble for your eyes. UV rays are inescapable parts of sunlight, so you must wear items that block them from directly hitting your skin and eyes. You become more susceptible to damage when your eyes are exposed to UV rays for an extended period. This can give you chronic vision problems and even increase your risk of developing eyelid cancer. Wear sunglasses if you’re gardening under the sun, and look for lenses with UV-blocking layers.
If you require vision correction, an ordinary pair of shades won’t cut it. You’ll need prescription sunglasses for ample protection while keeping your vision on point. Additionally, you might want to look into polarised sunglasses so your eyes aren’t hurt by intense glare. The Cooper shades by Glasses Direct are a good option for basic garden maintenance as their base lens comes with UV400 coating and isn’t too pricey. Gardeners who want more flexibility from their sunglasses can also get them with Light Intelligent Lenses, which adapt to different light conditions and shift from clear to tint accordingly. Legitimate glasses with anti-glare properties also block out unwanted light without sacrificing the clarity of their vision. The polarised Whitney glasses use a filter that only allows vertical rays to come through, blocking any harsh light bouncing off horizontal surfaces. This is beneficial when dealing with multiple plots in your garden and having to contend with highly reflective surfaces around you.
Safety against tools and chemicals
The UK is already dealing with a massive scale of pollutants called forever chemicals, which don’t break down in the environment. If you want gardening to remain a pleasant and safe experience, you want to shield your eyes from exposure to common chemicals.
For the most part, it’s better to stick to organic materials that don’t put you at risk. That said, it is sometimes more accessible to use classics like foggers, herbicides, insect sprays, and weed killers. Properly handling such chemicals will keep your crops happy and your body safe. Eyes are sensitive to fumes from these substances, so wearing non-vented goggles is best when you know you’ll use any mixture with these components.
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