The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but it also brings a surprising rise in eye accidents. At Eyes on Group, we often treat patients who find themselves dealing with sudden eye injuries due to overlooked seasonal hazards.
From decorating mishaps to toy-related trauma, here’s how to recognize dangerous eye injury types and stay safe during your celebrations.
1. Pine Needles and Tree Branches
Whether you’re cutting down a tree or untangling one indoors, pine needles and springy branches pose a real danger to your eyes. Branches can snap back suddenly, causing eye damage or even corneal abrasions.
Prevention Tips:
- Wear safety goggles when handling trees.
- Be cautious around unstable ladders or tree stands.
- Avoid decorating with sharp ornaments near eye level.
2. Spray Snow and Aerosol Decor
Spray snow and novelty foam sprays are festive, but if misused, they can cause chemical irritation or direct eye contact injuries.
What to do for an eye injury caused by spray snow:
- Immediately flush the eye with clean water.
- Avoid rubbing your eye.
- Seek urgent help from an eye doctor if discomfort persists.
3. Champagne Cork Injuries
Flying champagne corks can turn into high-speed projectiles capable of causing bruising, bleeding, or retinal trauma.
Protective Tip:
- Always aim corks away from faces and fragile objects.
- Use a towel to gently open bottles.
4. Toy Guns and Projectiles
From Nerf guns to slingshots, projectile toys account for nearly 20% of eye injuries during the holidays. Foam darts and laser pointers may seem harmless, but they can cause serious eye damage.
Safety Suggestions:
- Supervise children during play.
- Provide protective eyewear for high-risk toys.
- Only purchase laser toys that comply with national safety regulations.
5. Cosmetic Contact Lenses
Planning to dress up for a holiday party? Costume lenses not fitted by a licensed eye doctor can cause corneal scratches, infections, or vision loss.
Rule of Thumb:
Always get contact lenses professionally prescribed—even if they’re cosmetic.
6. Snow Glare and UV Exposure
Winter activities often expose eyes to UV rays reflected off snow and ice. This can result in sunburned eyes or long-term complications like cataracts.
Prevention Tip:
Wear polarized sunglasses or ski goggles outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful UV light.
What to Do for an Eye Injury
If you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, follow these steps:
- Do not rub or apply pressure to the injured eye.
- Rinse with clean water if a chemical or irritant is involved.
- Avoid using ointments or drops unless advised.
- Seek immediate care from an eye emergencies specialist at Eyes on Group.
Even minor eye injuries can become serious if left untreated.
Stay Safe and Celebrate Smart
The best gift you can give your eyes is protection. With a bit of caution, awareness, and proper eyewear, you can avoid the most common holiday-related eye injury types and enjoy the season to the fullest.
Visit Eyes on Group in Worcester, Randolph, Lincoln, or Cranston for expert help with any holiday-related eye accidents or concerns.