Why Eye Protection Safety Matters this 4th of July
The 4th of July is one the most exciting days of the year, and it’s one of the days that feels the most like summer. We spend time with friends and family, enjoy amazing food, and watch incredible fireworks. You can’t forget outdoor fairs and festivals.
While it’s a celebratory occasion, it’s important to remember to prioritize your eye protection safety during the holiday. There are two potential dangers to your eyes on July 4th: sunlight and fireworks. Clarkson Eyecare sheds light on the critical aspects of eye protection, particularly regarding protection from the sun and fireworks. We want you to celebrate safely this year!
Protect Your Eyes All Day
What makes July 4th so fun is that it’s a holiday you can celebrate all day. You can be out swimming and barbequing all day before watching fireworks at night. Between all of the fun, protecting your eyes is also an all-day event.
How to Shield Your Eyes from the Sun
By the time July 4th rolls around, summer is in full swing. That means that the sun’s rays can be intense during the day. Protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is crucial because too much exposure can lead to severe eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even corneal sunburn.
Wear Sunglasses
As simple as this might sound, wearing sunglasses is crucial to protecting your eyes from the sun and UV rays. Even though you might already have sunglasses, we strongly recommend wearing sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV rays. You should invest in sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. These sunglasses should also fully cover your eyes and the skin around your eyes. You need to protect your eyes from direct sunlight. As a tip, you should find sunglasses with an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) label. Check out our extensive sunglasses collection at Clarkson Eyecare if you need a new pair!
Wear a Hat
Pair your sunglasses with a hat to provide further protection. A hat with a wide brim can give your face additional shade and help protect your eyes from direct sunlight. Sunglasses and a hat will help minimize direct exposure to the sun and its UV rays and provide eye and face protection. The more you protect, the less likely you are to develop eye-related health issues.
While wearing sunglasses and a hat is ideal and recommended, wearing at least a hat is better than nothing. A hat can also protect your face and scalp from sunburn.
Find Shade
Not only are sunglasses and hats essential for protecting your eyes, but finding shade while you’re outside is also important. If exposed for too long, standing out in the direct sunlight in July can harm your eyes and skin.
If you’re at a park or another event during the day, we strongly recommend you find a shady spot. You’ll be able to protect your eyes and skin this way, and it’ll help you from getting too exhausted from the heat and sun. Staying cool during a hot and sunny day will help you feel better and stay healthy.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Fireworks
Fireworks are what we think about when we think of Independence Day celebrations. While they’re pretty and unique to watch, they also pose potential risks to your eyes. According to a report, 14% of fireworks injuries were eye injuries. Fireworks can potentially cause chemical and thermal burns, rupture of the globe of your eye, corneal abrasions, and retinal detachment. Following some precautions is vital to have a safe, enjoyable holiday.
Go See Professional Fireworks
Instead of setting off fireworks at home, you should consider going to professional, organized displays at a park. Trained experts who prioritize safety put these displays together. Attending a professional fireworks show will let you enjoy a fantastic show without putting yourself or others at risk. And to be honest, seeing professional fireworks is always better than trying them yourself.
Keep a Safe Distance
If you’re watching fireworks, stay safe from the launch area. Make sure to abide by the designated safety zones and follow instructions from event organizers or local authorities. This will minimize the risk of an eye hazard, such as debris or sparks reaching your eyes.
Areas close to the launch zone are typically blocked off because of the risk of getting hit with falling debris. The professionals know where debris will likely fall, and you shouldn’t go into any restricted areas.
Use Protective Eyewear
Always wear appropriate protective eyewear if you are helping in a fireworks show or setting off fireworks at home. Safety glasses or goggles can shield your eyes from debris, sparks, or chemical irritants reaching your eyes. Even though we’re giving tips for setting off fireworks, we recommend going to a professional show instead. Not only can you potentially injure your eyes, but countless other injuries can come with trying to set off fireworks yourself.
Eye Protection is Important
By following these eye protection safety tips, you can enjoy the 4th of July festivities while protecting your vision and preventing potential eye injuries. Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable, and taking proactive measures to protect them is crucial.
Contact Clarkson Eyecare Today
Don’t only prioritize your eye health during holidays. Make sure you take care of them all year round. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to detect potential issues early on and ensure your eyes stay healthy for years.
We have locations in 11 states, including Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. No matter where you are, quality eye care and clearer vision are never far away!
Call or click today to get more information about eye safety and how to protect your eyes this July 4th. Reach out to schedule an appointment at Clarkson Eyecare!
This 4th of July, let us celebrate safely and protect our eyes and the eyes of loved ones. Clarkson Eyecare wishes everyone a happy and eye-healthy Independence Day!