The holiday season is a time of celebration, gatherings, and toasts, but it also represents a period when domestic and recreational accidents increase, especially those affecting vision. According to an report accessed by Noticias Argentinas (NA), the Argentine Council of Ophthalmology (CAO) reminds of the importance of adopting simple but fundamental measures to protect the eyes during this time. Dr. Nicolás Levaggi, head of the Surgery Unit at the Pedro Lagleyze Ophthalmological Hospital, stated: "The eye is an extremely sensitive structure."
"Many of the injuries we see at this time of year could be prevented with information and prevention," the CAO report states. In Argentina, the use of pyrotechnics has decreased in recent years thanks to awareness campaigns and regulations, but it remains one of the main causes of eye injuries during the holidays.
"The risk does not disappear completely. The recommendations are: Do not point the bottle at your face or at other people. Hold the cork from the very beginning. Open the bottle slowly, directing it towards a safe place," specialists advise.
International studies show that up to 26% of people who suffer eye injuries from corks become legally blind, which accounts for the potential severity of these accidents.
Accidents at home and during celebrations During family gatherings, it is common to use knives, scissors, toys, or items that can cause eye trauma, especially in contexts of distraction or poor lighting. "Even legal pyrotechnics can cause serious eye injuries," warns Levaggi.
The CAO recommends: Use only authorized pyrotechnics. Avoid homemade or unknown origin products. The ignition should always be carried out by a responsible adult. Maintain a safety distance and use eye protection. Do not relight devices that failed or approach them immediately.
"Cork shots": an underestimated danger Opening sparkling beverage bottles is a common scene at celebrations, but the cork can be ejected at high speed and cause severe eye injuries. According to studies published in The BMJ, the pressure inside a sparkling wine bottle can be up to three times greater than that of an automobile tire, allowing the cork to reach speeds close to 80 km/h. In this context, the blinking reflex is not enough to protect the eye.
"Many people don't know that the cork can fire on its own, even when removing the metal wire, due to the accumulated internal pressure," Levaggi points out.
The CAO advises: Supervise children when they play with objects that throw projectiles or are under tension. Do not use improvised tools to open packaging or gifts. Ensure good lighting when handling sharp objects.
Meanwhile, in case of any blow or accident to the eye, immediate action can make a difference. "The most frequent mistake is to minimize the damage or try to resolve it at home," warns Levaggi. In case of an eye injury, the following is recommended:
Do not press or rub the eye. Do not attempt to remove embedded objects. Do not apply drops or medications without medical advice. Cover the eye gently, without squeezing. Consult immediately at an ophthalmology emergency room.
"Quick attention is key to preventing permanent sequelae, including vision loss," the specialist emphasized, adding: "With small prevention gestures, we can avoid injuries that change a person's life forever."
