Wagner Macula & Retina Center Encourages Eye Safety this Independence Day

HAMPTON, Va. - July 3, 2013 - PRLog -- For many, July 4th means family time, cookouts and fireworks.  While fireworks are part of the tradition for this American holiday, they can also be a health hazard, especially to one’s eyes.   Alan L. Wagner, MD, FACS explains, “While the fireworks can burn someone’s hands, it is an injury that can be treated.   An eye injury is more severe and often leads to lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.”
  The Academy of Ophthalmology has taken a stand against firework injuries by recommending that people enjoy fireworks from afar done by professionals instead of doing their own fireworks displays at home.   Dr. Wagner stands by this recommendation.  He states, “Fireworks can cause various type of eye injuries.  They can cut or burn the eye, cause retinal detachment or optical nerve damage.  These injures are often permanent.”    For those not willing to forego the fireworks tradition, Dr. Wagner recommends protective eye gear for the person lighting the fireworks as well as spectators watching nearby.  He states, “It is not worth the risk to lose your vision.  We want everyone to have a happy and safe July 4th this year.”  
  Wagner Macula & Retina Center is dedicated to saving sight and enhancing lives.   They specialize in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye tumors, and diagnosis and management of complex medical and surgical eye disease.  To learn more, log onto www.wagnerretina.com.