Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

Fourth of July is approaching, and though fireworks often go hand in hand with the holiday festivities, they often come at a serious cost. Each year, thousands are injured by these explosive devices, many of whom are innocent children and bystanders. Unfortunately, 37% of fireworks-related injuries harm the eyes and face, and of those eye injuries, one in six lead to severe vision loss. This year, know the risks of at-home fireworks usage and don’t put your family’s vision on the line.

How Fireworks Put Eyes at Risk

Fireworks-related injuries are difficult to control and affect the eyes in severe ways. From ruptured eyeballs to damaged retinas, even the best parental supervision won’t always prevent injury from occurring. Between misfires and duds, trips, and ricocheting debris—all fireworks pose the risk of serious eye injury. Though there are some ways to control this risk at home, like wearing non-flammable clothing and eye protection, accidents happen. And every single year, thousands suffer severe burns, lacerations, and explosions needlessly.

Some families use sparklers at home as an alternative to larger bottle rockets or fireworks. However, despite their diminutive size, small fireworks are just as dangerous as larger ones—especially when they’re handed directly to children. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 3000˚F, yet are often considered safe for the entire family. However, these handheld devices are not toys. A single trip or fall while holding a sparkler could cause severe damage to the eyes and face. This year, practice the following safety tips to keep your family’s eyes safe.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Visit a local fireworks display—we recommend Red, White, and Boom!
• Follow instructions regarding how far away to stand.
• If fireworks debris enters your eye, seek help immediately.

In the case of a serious eye injury at home or at a larger fireworks display, don’t panic. Follow these safety instructions to ensure that your eye injury is cared for in a proper manner:

• Immediately seek medical attention.
• Do not try to care for your own injury by using your own pain medication or ointments.
• Do not attempt to remove any foreign objects that may be in the eye.
• Do not touch or rub your eye—this can make things worse.

 

By following our safety tips and visiting only a professional display, the Fourth of July can be fun and safe for the entire family! Be responsible. Don’t use at-home fireworks for the sake of your whole family. If you want to learn more about eye safety and care, contact us today (614) 215-9011 to schedule an appointment at Columbus Laser & Cataract Center. We can’t wait to help you maintain healthy, lifelong vision!