3 New Year’s Eve Eye Safety Tips

Eye injuries from New Year’s Eve festivities are a lot more common than you think. So, it’s important to keep your eye safes during the holidays.

Limit Your Exposure to Fireworks 

Fireworks displays are an integral part of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Most families choose to attend public fireworks displays, but quite a few decide to hold small fireworks displays of their own. First off, if you’re planning to light fireworks, check if state regulations allow them. Second, keep a safe distance from them – small sparks and bright flashes can damage your eyesight. Not to mention the smoke can cause eye irritation as well. 

However, most vision therapy experts and health professionals would recommend watching public fireworks displays instead. Time Magazine reported that more than 10,000 people suffer injuries from at-home fireworks each year, with the Consumer Products Safety Commission noting that 14% of fireworks-related injuries are to the eyes. 

Point Streamer Poppers Away From People’s Faces

Seemingly harmless glitter and confetti from streamer poppers can scratch the cornea. While these abrasions might be superficial, they can cause blindness in some cases. 

Be Careful When Opening Champagne Bottles

The impact from popped champagne can be so damaging to your eyes that the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) published a guide on how to uncork champagne bottles. Make sure the bottle isn’t pointed to anyone while you’re uncorking it, and put a towel on top of the cork as you twist the bottle. The towel should blunt the impact from the popping cork, which can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. 

Avoid Going Out if You’ve Had Too Much to Drink 

Like in any social gathering, moderate your alcohol consumption. Slips and falls can damage your eyes so it’d be a good idea to sit down for a while if you’ve had too much to drink. 

If you notice something wrong with your vision, see your eye doctor right away. It’d be a good idea to have your optometrist’s number on-hand during the holidays so you can call them in case there’s an emergency. 

Insight Vision Center Optometry offers a wide range of professional eye care services, including scleral lenses. You can call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out here. We serve homeowners in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA, as well as their surrounding communities.