What You Need to Know About Firework Eye Safety

As you make plans for a star-spangled and memorable Fourth of July, chances are, you are looking forward to fireworks as one of the main festivities. However, you should be aware of the dangers of fireworks and the safety measures to take especially as it pertains to your eye safety.

 

Consumer Fireworks Are Dangerous

Fireworks are dangerous and it is important to educate yourself, and your kids about fireworks eye safety. When it comes to eye injuries, July 4 is a high-risk time. According to an annual fireworks injury report prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 12 deaths and about 10,000 injuries caused by fireworks in 2019. Three-quarters of these injuries occurred between mid-June and mid-July.

 

According to the most recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report, about 15 percent of firework injuries are eye injuries. Some of these eye injuries are quite serious. They can cause thermal or chemical burns, rupture the globe of your eye, cause retinal detachment, or lead to corneal abrasions. All of these injuries can lead to vision loss or permanent eye damage. Some of the things you need to know about fireworks eye safety include:

 

Your Kids Should Never Handle or Play With Any Firework

As stated earlier, all fireworks are dangerous. Did you know that even a small sparkler can get to a temperature of about 2,000 degrees? Consider the type of burns you can get from such temperatures. Therefore, it is critically important to keep your little one away from fireworks. Let a professional or adult handle them to prevent eye and body injuries.

 

While Handling Fireworks, Always Wear Protective Eyewear

If you are planning to handle fireworks, you need to invest in protective eyewear. You will find polycarbonate safety glasses at a hardware store or online. This type of eyewear does not shatter on impact; therefore, it can help to prevent sight-threatening eye injuries.

 

Do Not Pick Up Duds

Just because a firework failed to explode does not mean that it is safe. The simple act of handling it can cause it to go off and injure your eyes and hands. Before picking up any duds, have some water on hand to douse them thoroughly before touching them.

 

Just Because You Are Not Lighting the Fireworks Does Not Mean That You Are Safe

According to another CPSC study, about 65 percent of individuals injured by fireworks are bystanders. Most of these injuries result from bottle rockets and mortar-type fireworks. These are the types of fireworks people throw up before they explode. Unfortunately, it is easy for such a firework to hit an innocent bystander.

 

Therefore, both bystanders and firework handlers need to wear protective eyewear. In addition, the eyewear should meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute. Also, if you are planning to view a professional fireworks display, ensure that you are watching from at least 500 feet away.


 

To learn more about fireworks eye safety, contact Vision Center South in Dothan, Enterprise, or Wetumpka, Alabama, or Marianna, Florida. You can also call (888) 660-2738 to speak with our team or book an appointment.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-fireworks-eye-safety