Keep Your Eyes Safe This July: How to Prevent Eye Injuries

July is a time for celebration — warm weather, backyard barbecues, family vacations, and, of course, fireworks. But it’s also one of the busiest months of the year for eye injuries.

At Bensenville Eye Care, we see firsthand how quickly a fun summer activity can turn into an emergency. The good news? Most eye injuries are preventable. With the right precautions, you and your family can enjoy everything this season has to offer — safely.

Common Summer Eye Hazards

Summer activities often come with hidden dangers for your eyes. The most common causes of eye injuries we see include:

• Fireworks accidents

• Yard work and home improvement projects

• Sports-related impacts

• Chemical exposure from pool cleaners or household products

• Insect-related eye irritation or injuries

Firework Safety: Protecting Your Eyes During July 4th Festivities

Fireworks are a leading cause of eye injuries in July, accounting for thousands of emergency room visits each year in the U.S. — many involving children and teens. The injuries can be serious, including burns, lacerations, retinal damage, and even permanent vision loss.

To prevent fireworks-related eye injuries:

• Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers — they can burn at over 1,800°F.

• Keep a safe distance — spectators should stand at least 500 feet away from lit fireworks.

• Wear protective eyewear if you’re handling any type of firework.

• Never relight a “dud” firework — wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water.

• Keep pets and kids indoors during fireworks displays.

The safest option? Leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy public displays instead.

Eye Safety Tips for Other Summer Activities

🛠️ Home Improvement & Yard Work

• Wear safety goggles when using power tools, weed whackers, or lawn mowers.

• Be cautious when trimming trees or bushes — branches can snap back toward the face.

• Keep children and bystanders at a safe distance when tools are in use.

⚾ Summer Sports

• Use protective sports goggles when playing basketball, baseball, or racquet sports.

• Make sure children wear properly fitted safety eyewear designed for their sport.

🧴 Chemical Exposure

• Pool chemicals, cleaning products, and spray pesticides can all cause chemical burns.

• Always read labels and wear eye protection when handling any chemical.

• In case of splashes, flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and call your eye care provider immediately.
   

What to Do If You Suffer an Eye Injury

Eye injuries should always be treated seriously. If you or someone in your family experiences one:

• Do not rub, touch, or apply pressure to the injured eye.

• Do not try to remove any foreign objects from the eye.

• Do not apply ointments or medications without medical advice.

• Do seek immediate emergency medical eye care.

Let’s Make July Safe & Bright

At Bensenville Eye care, we’re passionate about helping our community enjoy the summer safely. Whether you need emergency eye care, protective eyewear, or guidance on eye injury prevention, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at 630-860-5066 or 📅 schedule an appointment online to make sure your eyes are protected this summer.

Your vision is worth protecting — not just during fireworks season, but all year long. From all of us at Bensenville Eye Care, have a safe and healthy July!