Optometrists are urging DIY enthusiasts in the Burnham-On-Sea area to take extra care to avoid eye injuries as home improvement projects prove popular during the lockdown.
An estimated 200,000 eye injuries are caused by DIY mishaps every year and Specsavers opticians throughout the UK have treated patients for an array of incidents in the last few weeks – from foreign objects to chemical burns.
Burnham’s Specsavers store in the High Street is open Monday to Saturday all day from 9am-5:30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. It is appointment only so people need to call first.
Specsavers Clinical Services Director, Giles Edmonds, says: “We often see a spike in these types of accidents in springtime, so as lockdown-DIY becomes popular it’s no surprise to see a number of patients contacting us with these types of injuries. Indeed some stores have reported treating up to three DIY-eye injuries in a single day.”
“It is important that you are cautious and pay close attention when you are carrying out any activity which might lead to something going into the eye, such as chopping firewood, pruning in the garden, drilling or grinding and that suitable eye protection is worn. In the event that an injury occurs, call your local Specsavers store where an optometrist will be able to discuss the best course of action with you.”
While Specsavers stores, in line with government guidelines, have suspended routine testing for the foreseeable future, emergency and essential eye care is still available to those in need – including frontline staff and key workers. Anyone requiring emergency advice should call their local optician.
