As Ol’ Blue Eyes (a.k.a. Frank Sinatra) once crooned, “Oh, by gosh, by golly—it’s time for mistletoe and holly!”
That’s right: Although it feels like you just boxed up last year’s decorations, the Holidays are once more clamoring at your doorstep. So, by gosh, by golly, go all out being jolly!
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind: Because the upcoming wintry festivities also contain a few hidden dangers—some of which could put your loved ones’ eyes (or your own) at risk.
In recognition of Safe Toys and Celebrations Month this December, Hattiesburg Eye Clinic would like to offer a few tips to ensure your holiday season this year is joyful—and everyone’s eyes stay safe.
Choose eye-friendly toys
Santa isn’t the only one making a list—so are the kids, enumerating all the toys they want for Christmas. Although you want to be as generous as possible with your little ones’ demands requests, it’s also important to choose toys with minimal risk of eye injury.
For one thing, be sure the toys you’re giving are age-appropriate—toys that function ahead of a child’s developmental stage could lead to injury. You also want to avoid toys (especially for young children) with sharp edges or protruding parts that could get poked in the eyes.
Beyond the toys themselves, you’ll also want to encourage and insist that your child operate any toy safely. Especially in cases of toys with projectiles (even the soft, “nerf” kind), children should wear some form of safety goggles or other protective eyewear.
Decorate safely.
Many families have long-standing traditions for holiday decorating and tree-trimming with ornaments or other keepsakes passed down from generations. Your great-grandmother’s pointed star ornament fills you with nostalgic delight—but it’s sharp edges could pose a danger, especially to your youngsters’ eyes crawling or toddling beneath the Christmas tree.
Be sure, then, that you position sharp or pointed ornaments or other decorations higher up, while placing softer decorations at lower, more accessible areas.
Watch out for flying corks!
To celebrate the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, many people like to toast each other with a little bubbly. But that bottle of champagne also contains a moderate amount of gas pressure.
The only thing keeping it in is the seal formed by the cork—and when that’s breached, the pent-up pressure releases quickly. The cork could then become a projectile that could take a trajectory straight for a guest’s eyes.
It goes without saying, then, that when opening a champagne bottle, have the cork pointed away from others!
Caution: handle fireworks with care.
It’s also quite popular to welcome in the new year with a bang. Ever since the ancient Chinese created the first fireworks, their sights and sounds have elicited oohs and aahs from new year celebrants.
But we’re also talking about explosives here (although a tamer form than, say, dynamite). Improperly handling fireworks can cause burns, tissue wounds—and eye injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated that in 2022 alone there were a little over 10,000 ER visits related to fireworks injuries—and 28% of those occurred with children under 15.
To lessen the risks for eye injuries, only use legal fireworks intended for personal not professional use (the latter are often more powerful). Keep viewers at least 35 feet away from static fireworks, and at least 150 feet away from fireworks intended to take flight. If you’re lighting a firework, stand to the side and never over it.
And never aim propelled fireworks along a horizontal path that might endanger another person—always send them skyward.
The Holidays are meant to spend with family and friends, not in the emergency room. Follow these and other common sense safety tips to keep the festivities joyful and everyone’s eyes safe.
To learn more about protecting your family’s vision, be sure to visit our website. To find out how Hattiesburg Eye Clinic can improve your vision health, call 601-268-5910 (or toll-free 800-624-8254) or schedule a consultation with us at www.hattiesburgeyeclinic.com/contact-us/
