Life is full of choices, and one choice those with visual impairment can make is to wear prescription contact lenses instead of traditional glasses. 

The vast majority of eye injuries across all ages come from accidents that occur during sports or other physical activities. For children, this is especially true with that activity, including all forms of physical play. But younger children are at increased risk of injuries from toys, home supplies, furniture, and playground equipment as well.

The year has sprinted into summer, which means we are in the middle of a season of celebration. Whether it’s a wedding, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, or just warm outside and a nice long day, people love to celebrate with fireworks. We all celebrate in a number of different ways. 

Maybe you prefer to brave the heat and fire up the grill, jump into the pool or your favorite waterway, or explore the many miles of trails and lose yourself in the beauty of nature. 

But one thing that has become a steadfast part of many people's celebrations is lighting off a few fireworks. While they can be a fun and mesmerizing spectacle for children and adults alike, fireworks can pose a significant health and safety hazard, especially to our eyes and vision.

As we age, our risk of many diseases and conditions naturally increase. Our eyes are no exception. 

By the time we reach the age of sixty-five, nearly one in three Americans will have developed an eye disease that can impair vision. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are the top four leading causes of blindness or low vision  reduced vision.

The changes in visual acuity caused by these and other diseases are often imperceptible at first, meaning proper eye care and regular monitoring is key to early detection and treatment.