There are more than 9,000 injuries a year from fireworks in the United States. This year, we may see an increase in cases as 4th of July celebrations are canceled due to the pandemic, prompting more people to set off their own fireworks. Please do not set off your own fireworks. This is best left to the professionals. Fireworks can cause devastating and permanent eye damage.
Many people experience eye discomfort at some point in their life. Some situations require no medical intervention. Others are more severe and can indicate an underlying health issue. It is best never to ignore unexplained eye pain.
Where Is the Pain Coming From?
The first step is to figure out where the pain is coming from. Our eyes are made up of different parts, each serving a different purpose.
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Many conditions can cause eye pain. Some of the more common include:
If you experience eye pain or other symptoms, seek medical advice right away. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey now to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Summertime brings many families outdoors. It’s also the season of fireworks. Around 68% of the total fireworks-related injuries reported in 2016 happened around the 4th of July. Men accounted for 61% of fireworks injury patients. Children under the age of 15 made up 31% of injuries. How many of these incidents were preventable? The following safety measures can help you enjoy a legal, accident-free Independence Day celebration.
Rules will vary from one community to the next. Make sure you know what you are allowed to use before planning your party. Keep the festivities legal so that you can avoid a confrontation with law enforcement, which can be made much worse if fireworks injuries are involved.
Read through all the instructions on each fireworks product you buy. This will tell you how to safely setup and light fuses as well as what the product does, signs of damage, and how much space is required. Make sure you wear proper eyewear to protect your eyes and avoid injuries.
Have a designated place for spectators that’s clearly marked. This should be positioned beyond the reach of the largest fireworks you plan to set off. Advise parents to make sure their children remain within the designated safe zone.
If a firework fails, do not relight it. No one should approach it for at least 20 minutes. If it has not gone off after that time, carefully place it in a bucket of water before discarding.
All fireworks should be given adequate time to finish burning before handling. Place the burnt remains in water to ensure that no flame or heat remains. Once soaked, the firework can be thrown away.
Start your summer off right by scheduling your annual comprehensive eye exam. An ophthalmologist can help you keep your eyes in great condition so you can see all the colors of this year’s fireworks displays! Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.
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When you think of home, you usually think of a safe haven. The reality is that over 40% of eye injuries happen in the home. We become complacent and don’t always consider the dangers of everyday activities and objects in our living space. There are several things you should know about eye injuries that happen at home.
Common Causes of Home Eye Injuries
There are many areas that could put your vision at risk if you do not take precautions. Simple outdoor chores like mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, or pruning shrubs should be done with protective eye wear. There are many risks indoors as well. The following list includes areas and tasks that could increase your risk of eye injury:
5 Tips to Prevent Eye Injuries at Home
Most people get through the day without an eye injury. The good news is that there are several things you can do to lower the risk.
And remember to schedule regular appointments with your ophthalmologist to stay on top of changes in your vision. Your eye doctor can provide advice and suggestions for making your home safer for you and your family.
#EyeMichigan #PreventEyeInjuries
The summer months can cause irritation and damage to your eyes. The sun’s rays and summer allergens, such as pollen, dust and smoke can all cause eye troubles. Below are some items to watch out for this summer and best practices to help protect your eyes this season.
Sun exposure can cause damage to eyes. Most people are aware of the harm that sun can cause on their skin but few realize the damaging effects on eyes. Wearing sunglasses with sufficient UV protection works to reduce UV-A and UV-B damage. Protecting your eyes can also help reduce your risk for sunburn or the cornea, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and uveal cancer.
Dry Eyes cause excessive tearing, irritation, and redness accompanied by a dry feeling which can be made worse by summer weather. Over the counter or prescription eye drops are used to lubricate the eye for those suffering from this condition. Make an appointment and your ophthalmologist will assess your condition for a proper treatment plan.
Eye Allergies Those who suffer from reactions to pollen and air pollutants should try to avoid these allergens especially during peak conditions. Sunglasses will add an extra barrier for your eyes. If you are a contact wearer, consider changing to single-use contacts to reduce buildup. There are medications that can be prescribed to further help reduce symptoms. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
Swimming Avoid wearing contacts if possible in the water. If you are an avid swimmer, you may want to invest in prescription goggles. If you must wear contacts, make sure you properly clean them immediately after swimming to prevent eye infections.
Sports Whether you are participating or watching sports, make sure your eye is on the ball. If you do get hit in the eye, see your ophthalmologist immediately or go directly to the emergency room.
Fireworks Every year, more than 9000 people are injured from fireworks in the United States. 30% of these injuries are to the eyes. A quarter of fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss or blindness. Experience fireworks only from a safe distance.
Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Styes are a red painful bump that forms in the upper or lower eyelid, caused when sweat or oil glands get blocked. Stye infections are not contagious and do not affect vision.
Conjunctivitis causes red, itchy eyes sometimes accompanied with a gritty, “sand in your eye” sensation. Dustier air during the summer makes it easier for the wind to blow irritants causing problems for eyes. Conjunctivitis can be contagious, so proper handwashing techniques are necessary not to spread to others. Make an appointment with your eye doctor for proper treatment.
To reduce your chances of developing a summer related eye problem, always remember to wash your hands, stay away from irritants, wear UV protected sunglasses, keep yourself hydrated, and rest your eyes. If your eyes do become infected or injured, make an appointment immediately. Only your eye doctor can diagnose and recommend proper treatment.
