[Perforating injuries of the eyes caused by rotating steel brushes].

Three cases of perforating lamellating injuries to the eyes are described which illustrate the hazards of using rotating wire brushes. All three patients were home handymen who failed to take the customary safety precautions. In one case the eye injury was partially due to an inappropriate combination of tools (a low-speed wire brush used with a high-speed drill). In view of the constantly increasing popularity of DIY work tool manufacturers, social insurance funds, private insurance companies and public institutions are called upon to help reduce the frequency of accidents in the DIY sector through appropriate design, organizational measures and publicity campaigns. Practical proposals are outlined in this paper. Perforating eye injuries caused by wire brushes can easily be overlooked. Thorough ophthalmological examination is therefore essential, and a diagnostic intervention may be required.