Protecting Your Eyes

Eyes may or may not be the “window to the soul,” as the old proverb suggests, but they are certainly precious and critical for much of human activity. And, they are delicate. So it makes sense to understand how your eyes and your vision can be protected from disease and from injury.

Getting regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist and protecting your eyes from the sun and from injury can prevent many leading causes of blindness. Diseases and conditions of the eye as well as direct injury to the eye often endanger vision, but there are also diseases, including diabetes, that compromise vision.

The good news is that there are excellent ways to protect your eyes from sports and work hazards, and there are good treatments available for most conditions and diseases that affect vision, IF they are diagnosed early.

It’s a good idea to follow the schedule for healthy eyes for every stage of life.

Fireworks and Eye Safety: Protect Your Vision This Summer

Every summer, fireworks are a highlight of celebrations across Washington State, but they can also cause devastating injuries. The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (WAEPS) encourages everyone to celebrate safely and protect their vision.

Fireworks Can Cause Serious Eye Injuries

Fireworks are not harmless entertainment. Each year, thousands of people across the United States suffer serious injuries, many involving the eyes. What many people don't realize is that a significant number of those injured are bystanders – people who are simply watching the fireworks, not lighting them.

Eye injuries from fireworks can happen in an instant and may result in lifelong vision problems or even permanent blindness.

Protect Your Eyes: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professionally organized public display rather than using consumer fireworks at home.

If you attend a fireworks show:

• Stay in designated spectator areas and maintain a safe distance from the launch site.
• Closely supervise children at all times.
• Never pick up or relight unexploded fireworks – they can ignite unexpectedly.
• Follow all instructions from local officials and event organizers.
• Consider wearing ANSI-approved protective eyewear, especially if you are close to the display or handling legal consumer fireworks.

Children Are Especially at Risk

Children experience a disproportionate number of fireworks-related injuries each year. Even sparklers, often considered harmless, burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F – hot enough to melt metal and cause severe burns and permanent eye damage.

Parents and caregivers should closely supervise children and never allow young children to handle fireworks.

Common Fireworks Eye Injuries

Fireworks can cause serious eye injuries, including:

• Corneal burns and abrasions
• Cuts and lacerations to the eye and eyelids
• Retinal injuries
• Ruptured eyeballs
• Orbital fractures
• Permanent vision loss or blindness

Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated promptly by an ophthalmologist.

Know When to Seek Emergency Care

If a fireworks injury affects the eye:

• Do not rub or apply pressure to the eye.
• Do not attempt to remove any objects lodged in the eye.
• Do not rinse the eye or apply ointments or medications unless instructed by a medical professional.
• Place a protective shield or the bottom of a paper cup loosely over the injured eye and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist can make a critical difference in preserving vision.

Celebrate Safely This Summer

Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July or another summer event, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent life-changing eye injuries.

The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons encourages Washington residents to enjoy fireworks responsibly and leave the displays to trained professionals whenever possible.

For additional eye safety information and resources, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Eye Health website.