Focus on eyes: It's all fun and games until someone puts an eye out on New Year's Eve
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December is the month of celebration with Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's Eve parties.
There are some eye hazards associated with these parties and prevention is the key.
Champagne is a common celebratory drink in these parties.
Careless opening of the champagne bottle can cause serious eye injury because the champagne cork can travel up to 50 mph as it leaves the bottle.
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To avoid eye injury with champagne popping, chill the bottle beforehand.
Champagne bubbles expand with heat, so chilling the bottle prevents pressure build-up.
Never shake the bottle because it increases the pressure and causes the cork to fly off the bottle extremely fast.
Do not point the bottle to yourself or anybody.
To open the bottle safely, firmly press on the cork with a towel and slowly twist the bottom of the champagne bottle. The bottle will open with a gentle puff and not a loud pop.
Be careful cooking
Holiday parties involve cooking and meal preparation.
Hot oil and grease can splash into the eyes and burn the cornea, which is the transparent tissue in the front of the eye.
If this happens, immediately flush the eyes with copious amount of tap water.
Artificial tears may also be used to soothe the eyes.
If there is persistent pain or blurry vision, urgent evaluation is recommended. Similarly, hot liquids or sauces can burn the eyes with heat and acid in the sauces.
The treatment is again immediate eye flushing with plenty of tap water.
Wash your meaty hands
Raw meat juices contain bacteria.
Frequent hand washing prevents bacterial eye infection.
Spicy foods and spices can adhere to the fingers and inadvertently introduce into the eyes and irritate them.
Thorough hand washing after food preparation minimizes the chance of eye contamination.
Kitchen cleanup after the parties involves products that may damage the eyes.
Caution cleaning up
Detergents, bleach, and oven cleaners contain strong chemicals that can cause serious and sight threatening eye injuries if accidently spill into the eyes.
In addition to immediate eye irrigation, prompt medical attention may be necessary.
Sharp knives, scissors and other cutting devices are used in holiday parties.
These sharp objects should be placed securely and safely, out of reach by young children.
By following these eye safely tips, we can all enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.
Dr. Frederick Ho, the medical director of Atlantic Eye MD and Atlantic Surgery and Laser Center, is a board certified ophthalmologist. Atlantic Eye MD is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272. To learn more visit AtlanticEyeMD.com.