Fireworks Safety: How to Keep Your Eyes Safe This 4th of July

​Fireworks are a beautiful display of celebration and a glorious July 4th tradition. What would Independence Day be without them? We want you to have the best 4th of July holiday, and that means keeping your eyes and your loved ones’ eyes safe this coming weekend!
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​The truth about fireworks is that they injure and cause eye injuries to thousands of Americans, including many children, each year. 
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Playing with or setting off fireworks can cause serious eye injuries and even lead to blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), “In the most severe cases, fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment – all of which can permanently cause eye damage and affect vision.”
 
Sadly, victims of fireworks injuries are not necessarily handling the fireworks themselves. According to an international study sited by AAO, “Nearly half of people injured by fireworks by bystanders.” That same report states that 35 percent of fireworks injury victims are age 15 and younger.
 
These statistics highlight the importance of paying attention to fireworks safety during this 4th of July holiday. So how do you protect your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones? 

Fireworks Safety Tips

We, along with the AAO, advise attending a professional public fireworks display rather than purchasing fireworks for use at home. If you choose to attend a public fireworks show or you live in a community nearby a fireworks show, here are a few tips to follow:

1. Obey all safety barriers. These are there for your protection.
2. Watch the fireworks from a safe distance. The AAO recommends viewing from at least 500 feet away.
3. Do not touch unexploded fireworks under any circumstances, as they could still explode. Instead, notify your local fire or police department immediately and leave it to them to handle safely.

For those who do purchase consumer fireworks for personal use, we, along with AAO, recommend the following:

1. Do not let children play with fireworks of any kind, including sparklers and bottle rockets. According to PreventBlindness.org, “Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Farenheit, and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode.”
2. Wear eye protection. Anyone handling fireworks should wear protective eyewear that meets the American National Standards Institute standards at all times. All bystanders should also wear eye protection and stand back a safe distance.
3. Do not light professional-grade fireworks unless you are a trained pyrotechnician. 

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What to Do If a Fireworks Eye Injury Occurs?

Should an eye injury occur from fireworks this 4th of July, please follow these guidelines:

• Get immediate medical attention.
• Do not touch or rub your eyes.
• Do not rinse your eyes.
• Do not apply pressure to your eye.
• Do not remove any objects stuck in your eye.
• Do not apply any ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medicals such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

 
If a child suffers an eye injury, tape a paper cup or similar protective patch that will not apply pressure to the eye over his or her eye to prevent the child from touching the injured eye. Make sure to apply the tape to the forehead and cheekbones, not the eyelids or general eye area.
 
We hope that you and yours have a wonderful and safe 4th of July! If you have any questions about eye safety or proper eye protection, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
For more information on fireworks eye injuries and fireworks eye safety, please visit AAO.org and PreventBlindness.org.
 
Happy Independence Day from all of us at Kadrmas Eye Care New England!