DIY projects are a fantastic way to get hands-on and creative, whether you’re revamping your home, building furniture, gardening or tackling smaller crafts. Your eyes are incredibly sensitive, and many DIY activities expose them to hazards such as flying debris, sharp objects, chemicals, and harsh lighting conditions.
While you focus on creating something extraordinary, it’s easy to overlook a crucial aspect—eye safety. Your eyes are one of the most valuable assets, especially when working on intricate DIY projects. By following the below-mentioned eye care tips, you can ensure that your eyes stay healthy and safe while you create art. Prevention is always better than cure, so prioritise eye protection to avoid unnecessary risks.
1. Wear safety eyewear and glasses
Wearing safety goggles or glasses is the most critical step in protecting your eyes. Whether you’re drilling, painting, or even working with sharp tools, a pair of protective eyewear shields your eyes from debris, dust, and other potential hazards.
If you wear prescription glasses, you can either wear safety goggles over them or go for oversized or wraparound-style frames. At Feel Good Contacts, you can shop glasses frames from top brands with up to 70% discount, along with customised prescription lenses.
2. Beware of dust and debris
Many DIY projects can release considerable dust and debris into the air. These dirt particles can irritate your eyes, leading to discomfort, redness, or even injury.
If you’re using a saw, drill, or sander, consider investing in tools with built-in dust extraction features. Additionally, wearing safety glasses with side shields can offer extra protection against dust entering from peripheral areas.
3. Avoid touching your eyes while working with chemicals
DIY projects often involve the use of adhesives, paints, solvents, and other chemicals. While these products can help bring your vision to life, they can harm your eyes if they come in contact with them.
If you’re handling chemicals, refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes. Even a small amount of residue on your hands can cause irritation or injury. If debris gets into your eyes, resist the urge to rub it. Instead, gently wash your eyes with clean water to gently remove the irritant.
Wear UV protection
When engaging in outdoor DIY activities, it’s important to wear sunglasses that offer 100% UVA/B protection. This will help to safeguard your eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. At Feel Good Contacts, you can get 100 UVA protected sunglasses from top brands at up to 60% discount.
4. Ensure adequate lighting conditions
Working on DIY projects without proper lighting can cause eye strain and fatigue. Good lighting condition is essential for precision and eye comfort, whether you’re sewing, painting, or working on tiny details.
Bright, focused lighting over your work area reduces strain and helps you see clearly. A well-lit workspace also minimises the risk of accidents.
7. Keep your hands clean
Many DIY projects can get messy. From handling paints and adhesives to working with dirt and grime, your hands often come into contact with substances that can irritate your eyes. Before touching your face or eyes, make sure your hands are clean. This reduces the risk of accidentally putting anything harmful into your eyes, which may result in eye infections or injuries.
8. Consider daily contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, consider the additional risks involved during DIY projects. Dust and chemicals can get trapped between your lenses and eyes, causing irritation or serious issues.
You can consider wearing daily disposable contact lenses during DIY activities, especially those involving heavy dust or chemicals. Ensure your contact lenses are clean and debris-free before and after use. Replace them as recommended by your optician to avoid eye infections. Daily lenses that are designed for one-time wear would be your safest option.
6. Take regular breaks
Focusing on detailed work for extended periods can cause eye strain, especially if you’re working up close or under poor lighting conditions. Taking regular breaks can help keep your eyes feeling fresh and reduce strain.
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: For every 20 minutes of work, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
This simple exercise relaxes your eye muscles and reduces fatigue.
- Blink more often: When you’re concentrating on intricate tasks, it’s easy to forget to blink, which can lead to dry and irritated eyes.
Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist.
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