Optrex and City University clinical director Judith Morris have produced a first aid guide for eyes following a survey revealing that accidents can cause up to 250,000 eye injuries a year.
The survey by YouGov and commissioned by Optrex revealed that 50 per cent of all eye injuries occur in the home and that 20,000 of these are the result of DIY activities.
Over a third of participants admitted that they do not feel confident treating common eye problems caused by hazards around the home with 91 per cent preferring to seek professional advice.
First Aid for Eyes, which is available to download at www.optrex.co.uk, aims to boost consumer confidence and stress the importance of having first aid knowledge to hand.
The guide includes advice on painting, cleaning and cooking incidents, recommending the use of safety goggles and visiting a qualified optometrist or Accident & Emergency if the accident results in a change of vision or blurring following home treatment.
Morris added that a National Eye Care Trust survey has shown that 63 per cent of optometrists believe that 'eye washes or saline solutions are first aid box essentials'.
'Eyes are regarded as one of our most valuable organs and people are often nervous about touching them,' said Morris.
'However, incidents involving the eyes are common and it is essential that everyone has a basic knowledge of first aid, which is why, in conjunction with Optrex Eye Care, I am launching this guide.'
