Happy Independence Day from EyeLASIK! America’s birthday is a wonderful holiday. Luckily, this year, it falls on a Tuesday, allowing for a four-day weekend. However, it’s important to know that even with the most fun holidays, there are certain precautions to take. We’ve got several 4th of July safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe the holiday weekend.
Stay Shady…In A Good Way
While being outside on sunny days is amazing, Texas heat in July can be brutal. It’s important to make sure that guests have access to shade. Whether this is under trees or created with canopies or tents, the coolness of the shade can help people to avoid heat exhaustion. Additionally, it helps to prevent sunburns.
Other shade(s) we need to mention? Sunshades! If you’re enjoying the 4th outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection in the lenses. Not only do they protect your eyes from sunburn (yes, eye sunburns are a thing), they keep you from squinting. And we all know that squinting causes wrinkles.
Lather Up
Just like sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, frequent applications of sunscreen can protect your skin. It’s important to follow manufacturer’s instructions on reapplication, especially when you’re sweating or swimming. Additionally, we recommend using SPF around your eyes, too. Not only does it help to prevent certain cancers, it can help you avoid crows’ feet.
Watch Out For The Mist
Sounds like a summer horror B-movie, right? Not at all! We simply mean to be cautious of what might get into your eyes. These include bug sprays, sunscreen, water (from swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, or oceans, and activities such as water balloon or water gun fights
Take A Sip
Outdoor activities usually mean that the body will sweat more. This indicates that your body is losing water, so it’s important to replenish. Staying hydrated during the 4th of July (and all summer long) is important.
However, we caution those indulging in adult beverages to alternate each drink or two with a bottle of water. This prevents dehydration and *hopefully* and hangovers. If you’re interested in how alcohol can affect your vision, check out one of our other blogs by clicking here.
Be Wary Of Anything With Fire
We’re talking barbecue grills, bonfires, fire pits, and, of course, fireworks. Embers, sparks, smoke, and fumes can cause eye irritation. In some extreme cases, fireworks have been known to blind people. When using any kind of spark or open flame, we recommend using eye protection of some sort.
If you’re interested in finding out more about firework safety, please visit The National Council on Fireworks Safety or The American Pyrotechnics Association.
We will be closed July 3rd and, July 4th. However, feel free to fill out an online consultation request form. We will get back to you when we re-open on July 5th.
EyeLASIK wishes everyone a very safe and happy 4th of July!