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.” It's important to remember that victims of fireworks injuries are not necessarily handling fireworks themselves. According to an international study sited by AAO, “Nearly half of people injured by fireworks are 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 over the 4th of July holiday. So how do you protect your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones? Fireworks Safety TipsWe, along with the AAO, advise attending professional public fireworks displays, 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 important tips to follow:
For those who do purchase consumer fireworks for personal use, we, along with AAO, recommend the following:
What to Do If a Fireworks Eye Injury Occurs?Should an eye injury occur from fireworks this 4th of July or anytime during the year, please follow these guidelines:
If a child suffers an eye injury, place a paper cup or similar protective patch that will not apply pressure to the eye over his or her eye and tape in place 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 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! Comments are closed.
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