Enjoy the Fourth, But Protect Your Eyes from Fireworks Injuries
Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on consumer fireworks, which cause more than 9,000 injuries a year. With the Fourth of July holiday just weeks away, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding the public that fireworks are not toys but incendiary devices that can cause devastating eye injuries:
The numbers are clear: Fireworks are dangerous and July 4 is an especially risky time for eye injuries.
Fireworks caused 11 deaths and 10,200 injuries in 2022, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s most recent annual fireworks injury report (PDF). Most fireworks injuries happen between mid-June and mid-July.
Fireworks are advertised like toys around the Fourth of July. You may think you know how to handle them safely. But playing with fireworks can blind you or your loved ones, so leave fireworks to the professionals.
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
What Are You Reading these Days?
We’ve noticed that many of our patients enjoy reading a good book. Here are recommendations for June 2024.
Have a recommendation? Email our newsletter editor
June is Cataract Awareness Month
Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. If not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness. In addition, the longer cataracts are left untreated, the more difficult it can be to successfully remove the cataract and restore vision. During Cataract Awareness Month in June, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public that early detection and treatment of cataracts is critical to preserving sight:
What is a Cataract?
Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear, like the top lens in the illustration.
Vision Problems with Cataracts
If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.
Here are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:
- Having blurry vision
- Seeing double or a ghosted image out of the eye with cataract
- Being extra sensitive to light (especially with oncoming headlights at night)
- Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light when you read
- Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead
If you notice any of these cataract symptoms, notify your Bedminster Eye & Laser Center eye doctor.
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Watch the video about cataract by clicking on the arrow, below.
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(908) 719-2020
Sports Eye Injuries by the Numbers
Each year, thousands of people experience an eye injury while participating in athletics and recreational activities. In fact, eye injuries from sports send an estimated 42,000 people to the emergency room each year – and one in three injuries happen to children.
Eyewear from Rec Spec, shown below, protects your child’s eyes from sports injuries and look great, too!
40% OFF
Complete pair of sunglasses* with the purchase of a complete pair of eyeglasses
*excludes Maui Jim
Offer expires July 30, 2024
Connect with The Optical Shoppe
(908) 719-2020
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