'Happens in a flash': Eye trauma rising among tradies in Victoria

Eye trauma is rising among tradies across Victoria, with many incidents deemed "preventable" by health authorities.

Mark Swales is one of the many affected. He suffered a traumatic eye injury when he was 24 after operating a piece of machinery without the proper protection.

A tiny piece of metal flicked deep into his eye, and he still suffers from impaired vision decades on.

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"I felt the impact," Swales told 9News.

"I knew it was pretty serious. My vision in that eye is still blurry."

New Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital data shows the number of emergency eye trauma cases has surged by 41 per cent since 2018.

The injuries are often caused by wood, metal, glass or grit flying into the eye while on the tools.

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Emergency department director Dr Carmel Crock said the rise was really "concerning".

She said wearing eye protection will prevent 90 per cent of injuries.

"Eye injuries (can be) life-changing and sometimes blinding," she said.

"These injuries are preventable and can happen in a flash.

"It's one or two cases a week (where) often a young man who has a life-changing serious, serious eye injury."

Swales, now in his 40s, wants young tradies to think about eye protection like a seat belt

"It's very easy to put a pair of glasses on," he said.

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