In a survey by eldia.com In the early hours of this Christmas Thursday, it was initially reported that at least five people had to be treated for domestic accidents during the Christmas Eve celebrations.
At the San Juan De Dios Hospital early in the morning, two neighbors arrived with injuries due to the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Fortunately, in these cases, the patients’ injuries caused by handling “some sharp element” were treated and were soon able to return to their homes without major concerns.
Three other people were admitted to Rossi Hospital between midnight and early morning in connection with domestic accidents. These cases also involved people who came “mainly for consultations” because of health problems they had suffered during the celebration.
The neighbors were treated by the medical staff on duty and had no health complications, so they immediately returned to their homes.
In both medical centers, the reduction in accidents fell due to the use of pyrotechnics and the manipulation of elements that can cause damage, such as: B. bottles with foamy drinks.
“I think that there is now a greater awareness of the use of pyrotechnic devices. Fortunately, it was a habit that seems to be dissipating over the years. There are no longer the injuries that were recorded in other years,” they emphasized.
On the other hand, this medium tried to confirm possible violations in the western part of the city. However, the Dr. Alejandro Korn Hospital in Melchor Romero, a referral hospital in the area, refused to provide information.
Take care of yourself on the 31st and New Year
The end-of-year holidays are a time of celebration, meetings and toasts, but they also represent a time when household and leisure accidents are more common, especially those that affect visual health.
A report from the Argentine Council of Ophthalmology (CAO) recalled the importance of taking simple but basic measures to protect the eyes during this period.
Dr. Nicolás Levaggi (MN 138,098), head of the surgical department at the Pedro Lagleyze Ophthalmological Hospital, said: “The eye is an extremely delicate structure. Many of the injuries we currently see could be avoided through information and prevention.”
In Argentina, the use of fireworks has declined in recent years thanks to awareness campaigns and regulations, but it remains a leading cause of eye injuries during the holidays.
“The risk does not disappear completely. Even legal fireworks can cause serious eye injuries,” warns Levaggi. He is also General Coordinator of the CAO Ateneos Commission, a body that recommends:
Use only approved fireworks
Avoid homemade products or products of unknown origin.
Always ensure ignition is carried out by a responsible adult.
Keep a safe distance and use eye protection.
Do not restart or contact failed devices immediately.
Corks: an underestimated danger
Opening bottles of carbonated drinks is a common scene at celebrations, but the cork can be thrown at high speeds and cause serious eye injuries.
According to studies published in the BMJ, the pressure in a champagne bottle can be up to three times higher than that of a car tire, allowing the cork to reach speeds of almost 80km/h.
In this context, the blink reflex is not enough to protect the eye. “Many people don’t know that the cork can shoot itself even when the metal wire is removed due to the internal pressure built up,” emphasizes Levaggi. The recommendations are:
Do not point the bottle at your face or other people.
Hold the cork firmly from the first moment.
Open the bottle slowly and point it in a safe place.
International studies show that up to 26% of people who suffer eye injuries from corks become legally blind, reflecting the potential seriousness of these accidents.
Accidents at home and at parties
Family gatherings often involve the use of knives, scissors, toys, or objects that can cause eye injury, especially in distracting or poorly lit environments. From the CAO they advise:
Supervise children when they play with objects that fire projectiles or when they are stressed.
Do not use improvised tools to open containers or gifts.
Make sure you have good lighting when handling sharp objects.
In the event of a blow or accident to the eye, immediate action can make the difference. “The most common mistake is to minimize the damage or try to fix it at home,” warns Levaggi, recommending in the event of an eye injury:
Do not squeeze or rub the eye.
Do not attempt to remove embedded objects.
Do not use drops or medications without medical indication.
Gently cover the eye without pressing it.
Visit an eye clinic immediately.
“Quick attention is the key to avoiding permanent consequences, including loss of vision,” emphasized the specialist, adding: “With small preventive gestures we can avoid injuries that change a person’s life forever.”
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