Thinking About Vision Safety Before, During, and After a Natural Disaster

Vision safety in a natural disaster

The impact and aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters serve as an important reminder to all about the importance of preparing for these events. Earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, and fires can take us by surprise, leaving little time to respond safely and effectively. Planning and preparation are essential and this year’s disasters are a warning for all of us to be prepared.  For those who have vision correction needs, extra care is needed to ensure the safety of their eyes and vision during and after a natural disaster.

Many have been faced with an unprecedented level of exposure to contaminated floodwater.  City health officials urge people to stay out of the floodwater to avoid illness. Those who have been exposed are instructed to wash their skin thoroughly as soon as possible and seek medical care if water is ingested or has come in contact with open wounds. There are also significant concerns over the safety of the drinking water supply – particularly those who rely on well water.

Access to clean water can also be disrupted after an earthquake, with the potential for water main breaks from the ground shifting. Fires can also impact water service and evacuation centers may need to prioritize bottled water for drinking.  People who rely on contact lenses to see well must have access to clean water to keep their eyes safe from infection, which in circumstances such as these can be sight-threatening.

When a disaster strikes, the community’s first responders and volunteers are activated into service at a moment’s notice and face long, hard, and often dangerous work to protect the people and property affected.  It isn’t surprising that many police, fire, and medical response team members choose a laser vision correction procedure like LASIK to ensure their clear eyesight is at the ready too.

We offer the following recommendations for preparing for and protecting your eyes and vision in the event of a natural disaster.

What to Pack in an Emergency Vision Care Kit

Other Tips for Managing Vision Needs in an Emergency

These recommendations are intended to help increase understanding of what people need to do before, during, and after a natural disaster with respect to the health of their eyes and vision. If you need vision correction to see well, taking the extra precaution to ensure you have the vision you need to keep you safe in an emergency is important.

Published October 19, 2017
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