Eye and Ear Hospital warns against risk of injuries this festive season
23 December 2019
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital is urging people to take care of their eyes this holiday season by warning against potential risks, and the importance of wearing appropriate eye protection.
From champagne corks, to DIY injuries, the Emergency Department at the hospital sees an increase in preventable injuries during the festive period.
In the 21 days between 20 December and 10 January last year, over 300 patients presented with eye traumas.
Eye and Ear Emergency Department Director, Dr Carmel Crock, says many of the injuries could be avoided, and warned that people should be mindful of potential risks: “Simply pointing a champagne bottle away from yourself or anyone nearby, and placing a towel over the cork, could prevent a number of serious eye injuries this holiday period.”
“As people prepare to get their houses and gardens ready for the summer, we also see a rise in the number of DIY related injuries. Whether it is hammering, drilling, grinding or using cleaning products such as bleach, oven cleaner or pool cleaner, it is advised eye protection should be worn,” Dr Crock said. “Almost 90% of eye injuries could be prevented, if people were wearing eye goggles.”
Parents are also advised to be aware of any children’s toys with dangerous parts.
“Sometimes a child may be given a toy for Christmas that is not suitable for their age and this can pose a danger to their eyes. We would ask that parents are mindful of this, and are also cautious of any toys with parts that might fly into the eye.”
To avoid any eye injuries this festive season, the Eye and Ear recommends reviewing their ‘Ten Tips to Protect your Eyes’, which includes being aware of your surroundings; wearing appropriate protection, and controlling potential hazards.
The full list of ten tips can be accessed here.
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About The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital is Victoria’s leading provider of eye and ear health, integrating clinical care, research and education to optimise innovation and provide advanced treatments for vision and hearing loss. The Eye and Ear cares for around 220,000 patients a year.
