Fire & Eyes

16 Aug Fire & Eyes

On August 10th, in honor of National S’mores Day, Americans were encouraged to light a campfire, gather family and friends, and create the perfect combination of rich chocolate, melted marshmallows, and crisp graham crackers. No one can resist an ooey gooey S’more.

I joined in on the movement, and had a blast with my entire family. As I roasted marshmallows over the open flame, I found myself strangely overwhelmed by the radiant heat. Years had passed since I last made this essential summertime snack, but I certainly didn’t remember it making me feel like this. The sensation was almost unbearable. My 9 year old felt the burn as well, and had to ask me to finish toasting her marshmallow while she stood at a safe distance from the fire. This experience got me thinking of a larger question:

Can being close to fire/heat damage your eyes?
Your eyes may become red or irritated with exposure, but no long term vision issues should arise. If irritation persists, call our office to schedule a visit so you can get back to enjoying what’s left of the summer!

What precautions can I take to avoid injury?
Our doctors suggest keeping your distance, using protective eyewear or sunglasses to thwart flying or popping embers, and applying artificial tears. Contact lens wearers should remove their lenses or use protective eyewear or sunglasses if they are going to be close to a fire/heat source for an extended period of time. Remember, if irritation persists, please give us a call and schedule a visit!

Don’t let fire and heat exposure stop you from doing what you love to do! Get out there and enjoy the last days of summer. Happy grilling!