Celebrating Independence Day is always one of my favorite holidays. The summer days, BBQs, time with friends. These festivities create challenges for your eyes. Moreover, it is important to be careful where you are lighting fireworks. This is not the only challenge to your vision this holiday.
Something we don’t often talk about with this holiday is how many people are outside. From enjoying parades, family BBQs, walks, and more. Especially in sunny Colorado, it is so important to protect your vision from UV rays. Sun glasses are the sunscreen for your vision! Keeping those eyes healthy is so important.
First, the length and duration of sun exposure can damage the eyes. This can create blurred vision, light sensitivity, dry eyes, excessive tearing, blindness and more. Secondly, it is important to know individuals with darker eyes may be less likely to notice the intensity of sun rays. Darker are not as sensitive to light. As a result, it is very important no matter your eye color to protect your vision from sun damage.
According to All about Vision, there are five prominent conditions caused by the sun.
Sun damage cannot be reversed. It is best to wear some shades this holiday! If you ask us, we will tell you to wear protective sunglasses all year around.
Now, we want to look at protecting those eyes during fireworks. According to Eye Care of Delaware, fireworks can damage vision. As we enjoy the festivities of Independence Day, it is so easy to lose ourselves in the moment. Additionally, this is not just looking at firework injury to the eye but also eye strain.
First, let’s look at some statistics regarding firework injury to the eye. According to Baylor College of Medicine, 11,000 firework related injuries occur each year. One in six injuries led to permanent vision loss. Over 300 Americans lose sight in one or both eyes per year. Almost half of the injuries are in children under 14 years old.
Furthermore, it may be best to let the professionals handle the fireworks. Attending a fireworks show at a park or other public area is typically safer than fireworks in the back yard. In addition, there are firework bans in effect due to high fire danger. Also, be sure to pay attention to the warning labels of the fireworks.
Wearing protective eyewear can keep those kids safe during fireworks. In addition, the safest way to see fireworks is at least 500 feet away. If the worst case happens please go to an emergency room immediately. Do not run, rinse, or remove objects from the eye.
If you need something to help with this holiday, from sunglasses to safety gear, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
