It starts out like any other joyful get-together: the house smells like cookies, the kids are tearing through gift wrap, and the cousins are playing ball in the yard. But before you know it, a flying ornament catches someone in the eye or a champagne cork goes rogue at the wrong moment.
Eye injuries during the holidays happen more often than most people realize, and they can turn a great day into an urgent medical situation.
Holiday Hazards That Can Harm Your Eyes
You’re setting up string lights, slicing veggies for the family feast, or popping a bottle of bubbly. Then it happens. Holiday cheer can turn into chaos in a flash when it involves your eyes. While the season might be festive, emergency rooms see a noticeable rise in eye injuries this time of year.
Here in Clarksville, we see a wide range of holiday-related eye issues. The most common ones include:
- Corneal abrasions from pine needles, gift wrap, or tree branches
- Foreign objects like glitter, wood chips, or toy parts getting into the eye
- Chemical exposure from cleaning products or aerosol sprays
- Blunt trauma from sports or slipping on ice
- Burns from cooking oil or fireworks
If your eye gets injured, don't wait it out. Knowing how to respond right away can prevent lasting damage.
What To Do (And Not Do) in an Eye Emergency
If something is stuck in the eye:
Don’t rub it or try to remove it with tweezers. Blink a few times or rinse gently with sterile saline or clean water. If it doesn’t come out easily, cover the eye lightly and head straight to an emergency optometrist.
If you get hit in the eye:
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, but don’t apply pressure. Watch for signs like pain, blurred vision, or black spots. These can signal internal damage and need a prompt exam.
If a chemical gets in:
Rinse with clean water immediately for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses if you’re wearing them. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If your eye gets scratched:
It may feel gritty or tear excessively. Avoid touching it and keep it protected until you can be seen by an eye care professional.
When to Call the Optometrist (Not the ER)
Not every eye injury requires a trip to the emergency room. In fact, many eye emergencies can be handled faster and more effectively by your local optometrist. At River Hill Optical, we have the tools and training to treat most non-life-threatening injuries right here in our Clarksville clinic.
Call us if you experience:
- Persistent eye pain or discomfort
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden floaters or flashes
- Any eye trauma involving redness, tearing, or swelling
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Give us a call. Our staff can help determine whether you need immediate attention and how to protect your vision in the meantime.
We’re Here for Clarksville Families—Even During the Holidays
At River Hill Optical, our eye doctors treat each patient like family. Whether it’s a minor scratch or something more serious, we’re committed to providing fast, thorough care to preserve your vision and ease your stress. We know that emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, especially during holidays when life gets a little more hectic.
From corneal abrasions to chemical splashes, we’ve seen it all - and we’re ready to help. Our Clarksville location is easy to reach, and our experienced optometrists are trained to respond to a wide range of urgent eye conditions.
If you or a loved one experiences an eye injury this season, don’t wait. Call River Hill Optical at 410-531-7920 or schedule an eye care appointment for prompt emergency eye care.