Pay Attention to Eye Protection Safety this 4th of July

Your Eyes Need All Day Protection

July 4th usually ends up being an all-day celebration. Your day might be full of time at the pool or a family barbeque, and the night usually ends with a bang at an exciting fireworks show. With all of those events during the day and evening, you need to take extra care of your eyes. 

Learn How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

It’s important to understand how to best protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and even corneal sunburn.

Use Sunglasses

The easiest way to protect your eyes from the sun and UV rays is to wear sunglasses. There are countless sunglasses options out there, including cheap ones at convenience stores. With that being said, we strongly recommend wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also want sunglasses that fully cover your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Your sunglasses should be certified by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute). Check out what we have in our sunglasses collection at The EyeDoctors Optometrists so you can find a new pair with prescription lenses!

Wear a Hat

Another easy way to protect your eyes, and your face for that matter, is by wearing a hat. Your best option is to find a hat with a wide brim so that you can cover more of your face. Wearing both sunglasses and a hat will help prevent you from developing eye-related health issues.

We do recommend wearing both a hat and sunglasses, but if that’s not possible, at least one or the other is better than nothing. Hats are also great at preventing sunburn on the face and scalp.

Hangout in the Shade

Don’t stand out in the direct sunlight if you don’t have to! Find yourself a nice shady area to hang out in, especially if you don’t have the right type of eye protection. Standing in direct sunlight for too long can damage your eyes and skin.

If your 4th of July agenda includes all-day events outside, we recommend you look for shady areas to relax in throughout the day. You’ll prevent yourself from getting worn out, and you’ll be able to better protect your eyes. 

Protecting Your Eyes from Fireworks

There is no Independence Day without fireworks. We wait all year to watch those beautiful fireworks, but it should be known that you need to be careful when including fireworks in your day of celebration. Fireworks are known to cause injuries, and according to a report, 14% of fireworks injuries were eye injuries. Chemical and thermal burns, rupture of the globe of your eye, corneal abrasions, and retinal detachment are also possible fireworks injuries. 

Let the Professionals Handle the Fireworks

There’s no need to be setting off your own fireworks at home. We rather you enjoy some professional fireworks at a park or fair. They are professionals for a reason, and those organized fireworks events will be both safer and more exciting than anything you would do at home. You should be able to enjoy fireworks without putting yourself or others at risk. Cap off the night at a professional fireworks display with friends and family.

Don’t Go Near Fireworks

If going to a fireworks show, you need to follow all rules given by event organizers and local authorities. There are designated safe areas and areas that are blocked off. Staying in the safe areas will lower the risk of an eye injury happening. All areas near the launch zone should be blocked off. Don’t go near them and make sure that you stay together with your family and that nobody wanders off into unsafe areas.

Use Safety Glasses

If you do decide to set off your own fireworks, or you’re involved in a fireworks show, you must wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shields. You’ll want to shield your eyes from debris, sparks, or chemical irritants. You should also have any other necessary protective equipment. Although we are giving a tip with the assumption you might set off your own fireworks, we still recommend going to see a professional show. Going to a fireworks show is the safest option for your entire family on the 4th of July.