SAFE EYES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Common sense dictates choices for safe toys at the holidays – avoid toys and games that shoot even soft projectiles, include protective eyewear with sports equipment, be sure toys are sturdy and age appropriate, and supervise children when they play. But there are other eye hazards to be aware of.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Avoid These Holiday Eye Hazards by Anni Delfaro, Nov. 11, 2024) offers tips to guard against what may be less obvious risks to eyes. A common holiday activity is decorating with glitter, but glitter on hands can be rubbed into eyes and cause a corneal abrasion or infection. And with glitter, there’s the glue that also can get into the eye. In both cases, flush the eyes and don’t rub. See a doctor if that doesn’t work. While decorating, remember that pine needles and tree branches can poke an eye, resulting in a corneal abrasion or cut. These injuries require medical attention.

We’ve all seen funny clips of folks baking cookies who end up in a flour fight, but it really isn’t funny. Flour dust in the eye can cause infection. Flush the eyes, but if there’s remaining pain or discharge, see a doctor. Celebratory champagne poses risks, too. A popping cork ejects at about 50 mph and can cause blinding injury. The AAO recommends a safe way to open a champagne bottle. Of course, don’t aim it at anyone, and keep it tipped at a 45-degree angle away from the face. Instead of twisting or prying the cork out, hold the cork firmly over the top, and twist the bottle. The cork will come out gently. While it may not be as dramatic as the pop and gush, it’s safer and saves on champagne.

Outdoor winter activities have their own risks. Snowball fights are an obvious danger. Snowballs can have the same impact as other balls. Sledding and skiing expose eyes to UV. Snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV radiation, and with increasing altitude, less atmosphere is available to absorb UV radiation from the sun. With every 1000 m in altitude, UV levels increase by approximately 10 per cent. That exposure can result in snow blindness or photokeratitis. It is a painful condition that can be thought of as a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva. It generally heals on its own, but repeated and prolonged exposure carries the risk of cataracts, pinguecula or pterygium growths, and retinal damage. Goggles and sunglasses with full UV protection are a must for winter sports.

With foresight, care, and caution, we can enjoy our favorite holiday activities eye-safely!

*By Linda Conlin, Pro to Pro Managing Editor