Simple Holiday Eye Safety Tips to Protect Your Vision
We love the holiday season for its celebrations and New Year’s festivities, but many people don’t realize it’s also one of the most common times of year for preventable eye injuries. From fireworks and sparklers to champagne corks and broken glass, all these memorable moments with family and friends can quickly turn dangerous without proper eye safety precautions.
Our Austin Retina specialists want to help you enjoy the holidays while keeping your vision safe. A few reminders, and knowing what to do in an emergency, can make a life-changing difference.
Fireworks and Sparklers: Not as Harmless as They Look
Fireworks are a leading cause of serious eye injuries, especially around New Year’s Eve. Even small, consumer-grade fireworks can cause burns, cuts, and blunt trauma to the eye.
Eye safety tips around fireworks:
- Never allow children to handle fireworks or sparklers
- Keep a safe distance from any fireworks being set off
- Wear protective eyewear if you’re nearby
- Never relight a “dud” firework
- Avoid fireworks entirely if possible and attend professional displays instead
Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe eye burns in seconds, particularly for children.
Champagne Corks: A Common Eye Hazard
We all know popping a champagne cork is a classic New Year’s tradition, but corks can travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, making them powerful enough to cause retinal damage, bleeding inside the eye, or even permanent vision loss.
Safer ways to open sparkling wine:
- Chill bottles before opening (cold bottles release less pressure)
- Keep the bottle pointed away from your face and others
- Place a towel over the cork while opening
- Twist the bottle – not the cork – and open slowly
Other Holiday Eye Risks to Watch For:
- Broken glass from ornaments or drinkware
- Smoke or debris from candles or fireplaces
- Toy-related eye injuries, especially from projectile toys
- Fatigue-related accidents due to late nights and travel
What to Do Right Away If an Eye Injury Occurs:
If you or someone near you experiences an eye injury, acting quickly and correctly is critical.
Do NOT:
- Rub or press on the eye
- Try to remove objects stuck in the eye
- Apply ointments or medications unless directed
- Rinse the eye if there is a penetrating injury
DO:
- Cover the eye lightly with a clean shield or cup if there is trauma
- Flush gently with clean water or saline only if a chemical exposure occurs
- Seek immediate medical attention for any pain, vision changes, bleeding, or visible injury
If symptoms include sudden vision loss, flashes of light, floaters, eye pain, or bleeding, go to the emergency room or contact a retina specialist immediately.
Start the New Year With Healthy Vision
The holidays are meant to be joyful, not stressful. Taking a few preventive steps can help protect your eyes, and your long-term vision, as you celebrate with family and friends. If you experience an eye injury or notice sudden changes in your vision, don’t wait.
Get Emergency Eye Care in Austin
If you experience eye trauma, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, or eye pain, contact Austin Retina Associates immediately.
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
For the latest Austin Retina news, visit our blog or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, please note our South Austin office has relocated! The new address is: 4544 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 645, Austin, TX 78745. Please contact us at (800) 252-8259 with questions or to book an appointment.