December 2020 Newsletter

Make Sure Protective Eyewear is on Your Christmas Shopping List

In the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story, Ralphie attempts to convince his parents and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. They all reject his pleas with the same warning: "You'll shoot your eye out." While you may not literally shoot your eye out, a new study in Ophthalmology Retina – a journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology – shows that BB and pellet guns do blind children every year.

The number of eye injuries related to such non-powder guns are increasing at an alarming rate. Another study published earlier this year showed an increase of almost 170 percent over the last 23 years. If toy guns are on your shopping list, we at the Eye Centers of Northwest Ohio and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge you to also give the gift of protective eyewear. Protective eyewear and proper guidance make BB, pellet and paintball gun activities safer for children.

To prevent eye injuries we suggest the following:

Buy the proper eye protection. Always wear eye protection that meets appropriate national standards when using non-powder guns.
Get a target. Have children shoot BB and pellet guns at paper or gel targets with a backstop to trap BBs or pellets.
Educate children. Teach them proper safety precautions for handling and using non-powder guns.
Be present. Ensure that there is always appropriate adult supervision.
Know what to do (and what not to) if an eye injury occurs. Seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor. As you wait for medical help, make sure you don’t touch, rub, apply pressure, or try to remove any object stuck in the eye.

“Ophthalmologists see firsthand the devastating damage toy guns can inflict on the eyes; children are blinded,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., MBA, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The good news is, most of these injuries are avoidable. Protective eyewear and adult supervision make non-powder gun activities much safer for children. If you can’t resist the Ralphies in your life, buy protective eyewear.”

Here’s How To Open a Champagne Bottle Without Hurting Your Eye

Champagne signals a time of celebration – but opening bubbly can come with some risks. A Champagne cork can fly up to 50 mph as it leaves the bottle — fast enough to shatter glass. If the cork hits an eye, it can cause severe injury, including traumatic glaucoma or globe rupture.

Avoid an eye injury by following these tips:

Keep the champagne cold. Champagne bubbles are filled with gas that expands when warm. To preserve your eyesight and prevent the bottle from opening unexpectedly, always chill Champagne in the fridge or on ice to about 45 degrees.
Don't shake, rattle or point the bottle towards anyone. Agitating Champagne increases pressure. Never point a bottle in someone's direction. It could cost them their sight.
Control the Cork. Tear off the foil then remove the wire hood. Place a towel over the top of the bottle and grasp the cork. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders. Slowly and firmly twist the bottle not the cork. Do this until the pressure in the bottle begins to push the cork out naturally.
Celebrate safely. Toast and clink carefully to avoid breaking the Champagne glasses.

Holiday Closing

Fremont Office:

Thursday, December 24th – Office Closes at Noon
Friday, December 25th – Office Closed
Saturday, December 26th – Office Closed
Thursday, December 31st – Office Closes at Noon
Friday, January 1st – Office Closed
Saturday, January 2nd – Office Closed

Fostoria Office:

Tuesday, December 22nd – Office Closed
Wednesday, December 23rd – Office Closed
Thursday, December 24th – Office Closes at Noon
Friday, December 25th – Office Closed
Thursday, December 31st – Office Closes at Noon
Friday, January 1st – Office Closed