Eye Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
The holidays are a joyous time to celebrate the culmination of a wonderful year. However, this celebration can be thrown off-course in the event that an unexpected eye injury or accident occurs. These basic safety tips can help keep you and your family safe during the holiday season.
Celebrations
As you turn to champagne and fireworks for celebration, be mindful as you partake in them. Champagne corks can release at upwards of 50 mph, which can lead to major eye injuries like retinal tears and detachments. Additionally, if you are present for fireworks displays you should be practicing eye safety as well. Stay at least 500 feet away and wear protective eyewear if accessible.
Decorations
While holiday decorations are fun to hang up and beautiful to admire, they can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Consider using battery-powered menorahs or flameless candles so as not to burn the eyes. If you are around a Christmas tree you should be alert near branches and pine needles as these can quickly become stuck in your eye. Finally, be mindful of glass ornaments and other fragile decorations. An accident involving glass to the eye can lead to eye infections and irreversible vision loss.
Gifts
Although you are likely not receiving toys with projectiles, your children or grandchildren might be. The misuse of toys like foam darts, pellet guns, and paintball guns can lead to serious injury for adults and children alike. In conjunction with adult supervision, it is important to remind your family members to be aware of where they are aiming their toys.
While being mindful of your surroundings is crucial, at FLEI we understand that accidents and injuries happen. If you or a loved one suffers an eye injury, call our office at 954-741-555. We have an ophthalmologist on call 24/7 who can assist you as needed.
