Our eyes are incredibly delicate, and yet we often take them for granted—until something goes wrong. Whether you’re at work, out in the sun, or using computer screens all day, it’s important to take basic precautions to protect your vision. Damage to the eyes can happen quickly and, in many cases, be permanent.

Here’s how to protect your eyes in everyday situations.

Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun

Sunshine can lift our mood—but it can also be harmful to our eyes if we don’t take the right precautions.

Why it matters:

UV rays from the sun can contribute to eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers. Snow, sand, and water can reflect sunlight and increase UV exposure.

What to do:

  • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Look for a label with a CE mark, the UKCA mark, or updated certification under the ISO 12312-1:2022 standard.
  • Use a wide-brimmed hat to reduce glare and provide extra shade.
  • Avoid looking directly at the sun—even with sunglasses on.

Note for drivers: Some sunglasses (particularly darker-tinted ones in Category 4) are unsuitable for driving. Always check the label before use.

Learn more at RNIB.org.uk

Eye Safety When Using Tools and Chemicals

Home improvement projects, gardening, and industrial work all carry potential eye hazards. Flying debris, chemical splashes, or intense light can lead to painful injuries and long-term vision loss.

Key risks include:

  • Flying wood, metal, or dust particles
  • Sparks or shrapnel during cutting or welding
  • Splashes from cleaning products, paint, or industrial chemicals
  • Intense light from welding arcs

Safety tips:

  • Always wear appropriate safety goggles or a face shield when using tools.
  • Use tinted safety goggles for welding or grinding to protect against bright light.
  • If working with chemicals, wear goggles that provide a tight seal and offer chemical splash protection.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling substances—even if you wore gloves—to avoid accidentally transferring chemicals to your eyes.

If you get something in your eye, follow the guidance from the NHS.

Eye Care and Screens (VDUs)

Prolonged use of visual display units (VDUs)—such as computer monitors, tablets, and smartphones—can lead to digital eye strain (DES). This may include tired eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.

Top tips for screen users:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Adjust your screen to be between 33cm and 100cm from your eyes.
  • Make sure lighting is comfortable—avoid glare or harsh reflections on the screen.
  • Use artificial tears or eye drops if your eyes feel dry after screen use.
  • Adjust your monitor height so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level.

Employer responsibilities:
In the UK, if you use a screen regularly as part of your job, your employer must:

  • Carry out a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment
  • Offer you regular eye tests
  • Help pay for corrective lenses if needed specifically for screen use

Learn more about DSE from the HSE – Working safely with display screen equipment

Sports and Eye Safety

Most sports don’t pose much risk to your eyes, but a few can increase the chances of injury—particularly those involving fast movement, impact, or flying objects.

High-risk sports include:

  • Cycling
  • Rugby
  • Lacrosse
  • Ice hockey
  • Squash
  • Martial arts

How to stay protected:

  • Wear impact-resistant goggles or wraparound glasses.
  • Use a helmet with a face shield or visor for contact sports.
  • Make sure your protective gear is sport-specific and meets British or European safety standards.
  • If you wear glasses, talk to your optician about sports-specific prescription eyewear.

Even in lower-risk sports, wind, insects, or dust can irritate your eyes. In these cases, a simple pair of wraparound sunglasses or protective glasses can make a big difference.

General Eye Safety Tips for Everyday Life

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially with dirty hands—it’s a common way to introduce infection or irritants.
  • Store sharp objects safely, particularly if you have young children in the home.
  • Use caution with cosmetics around the eyes and avoid sharing makeup to prevent infection.
  • Check expiry dates on eye drops and throw away any bottles that have been open too long.
  • See an optometrist if your eyes feel sore, dry, irritated, or your vision changes unexpectedly.

Eye safety doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be consistent. Whether you’re outside in the sun, working in the garage, or just scrolling through your phone, simple changes to your daily habits can help prevent discomfort and long-term damage.

If you ever experience unusual symptoms or a possible eye injury, don’t wait. Speak to an optometrist or seek urgent care when necessary. Your vision is worth protecting.