With 4th of July right around the corner, families and friends across the country are preparing for a day of celebration. Before you immerse yourself in planning backyard barbeques and finding the perfect spot to watch a fireworks display, review your safety checklist so your holiday doesn’t turn sour. With the high volume of fireworks, sparklers, and pyrotechnics used on this day, eye injuries are incredibly common. Review the optician-approved tips below to ensure you have the right eyewear and know-how to enjoy yourself without incident. 

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Eye Injuries on Independence Day?

The best way to avoid injuring your eyes with fireworks is to keep a safe distance when observing or lighting these items. In addition to giving yourself a wide berth, use protective eyewear at all times during the handling process. While full coverage protective glasses used by handymen and skilled workers are ideal, general eyewear or even sunglasses are a terrific start to avoid getting debris or random sparks in your eyes. 

How Should You Handle a Fireworks-Related Eye Issue?

Despite warnings from eyewear professionals, fireworks are the source of over 10,000 emergency room visits every year, the majority of which occur on 4th of July. If you sustain an eye injury because of fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.

While it may be tempting to treat the injury on your own or remove objects from the eye, wait until you’ve spoken to a medical professional before taking action. On your way to the hospital or urgent care, try to avoid rubbing your eyes, rinsing the area, or applying pressure until the situation has been assessed. 

Cook Inlet Eyewear has been the greater Anchorage, AK, area’s go-to source for glasses and contact lenses since they opened for business in 1994. As eyewear professionals who believe in providing products that are both fashionable and functional, you can count on this optician to offer a variety of unique brands at affordable price points. To learn more about the products and services they offer, call them today at (907) 276-1021. For a closer look at what this independently owned eyewear company has to offer, visit their website.