Prevent Fireworks Injuries With These Eye Safety Tips
When it comes time for New Year’s Eve or 4th of July celebrations, many families choose to celebrate with at-home fireworks displays. While fireworks can be fun to ignite and pretty to look at, a high amount of risk is associated with consumer fireworks. There are an estimated 10,000 fireworks injuries each year that result in burns, cuts and eye lesions. In fact, almost 15% of fireworks injuries involve the eye—many result in vision loss. At Visionworks, your eye safety is important to us. We have compiled a list of fireworks safety tips to help you prevent eye injuries from fireworks.
Injuries Caused by Fireworks
When it comes to fireworks injuries, children are at the highest risk. Over 45% of fireworks injuries each year happen to children under the age of 14. The most common injuries are burns to the hands, head, arms and eyes. Small sparklers can reach temperatures up to 1,800 degrees, making the risk for burns high even for fireworks that may seem safe. There is also a risk for fireworks projectiles to hit the eye, as well as ash, debris and shrapnel. One in six fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss, with an average of 400 Americans losing their eyesight each year due to preventable fireworks eye injuries. This is why it is important to practice fireworks safety and know not only how to prevent injuries, but also how to respond if an injury occurs.
8 Tips to Prevent Fireworks-related Eye Injuries
The best way to prevent fireworks injuries is to refrain from lighting fireworks at all. However, if you choose to light fireworks it is important to know how to prevent fireworks-related eye injuries and reduce the risk. Here are our recommended tips to help you prevent eye injuries from fireworks.
1. Check if It is Legal to Set Off Fireworks in Your Area
First, check to see if it is legal to set off fireworks in your area. In many cities and neighborhoods, it is illegal to purchase and ignite consumer fireworks. It is important to abide by these regulations because neighbors and bystanders may not be prepared for the risks of being near fireworks and the area may be prone to wildfires.
2. Never Let Children Handle or Play with Fireworks
Children should never handle, ignite or play with fireworks, because they are most at risk for injury and may not fully understand the danger involved with consumer fireworks. Fireworks should only be handled by adults, preferably professionals.
3. Wear Safety Glasses
When handling and igniting fireworks, always wear safety glasses. This is recommended for individuals lighting the fireworks as well as onlookers. Safety glasses reduce the risk of shrapnel or ash entering the eye and causing damage.
4. Have a Designated Fireworks Supervisor
Many times fireworks injuries occur because multiple people are lighting them at the same time and not communicating—or fireworks are left unsupervised and open for children to use. When lighting fireworks, always designate a responsible adult as the fireworks supervisor.
5. Read Instructions before Lighting Fireworks
Most fireworks injuries result from improper use. Before lighting any fireworks, make sure to read all instructions and safety guidelines. If the directions are not clear or the packaging is damaged, it is best to safely dispose of the fireworks.
6. Stand back when Fireworks Are Ignited
Always stand at least 20 feet away from consumer fireworks and 500 feet from professional fireworks displays. Standing too close to lit fireworks puts you at higher risk for injury.
7. Remember Bystanders are at Risk
Don’t forget that the fireworks handler is not the only one at risk. Bystanders and onlookers are also at high risk for fireworks injuries. In fact, over 65% of people injured by fireworks are unsuspecting bystanders. For example, some bottle rockets can shoot up to 300 feet and are often mishandled. Stay aware of your surroundings and make sure everybody keeps a safe distance.
8. Opt for Professional Fireworks Displays
The best way to stay safe is to avoid consumer fireworks altogether and instead opt to attend professional fireworks displays. Check to see if there are any local fireworks events in your area. Remember, when viewing fireworks outdoors, it is still important to keep distance and stay aware of your surroundings.
What to Do if an Eye Injury from Fireworks Does Occur
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you or someone else in your group falls victim to an eye injury due to fireworks, it is important to act quickly and remember these tips.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
When an eye injury from fireworks occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Waiting to address the injury can result in a higher risk of vision loss and cause irreversible damage. Call 911 or go to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Do Not Rub or Rinse the Eye
While it may be your first instinct, do not rub or rinse the eye. This can further irritate the eye and cause more damage.
Do Not Apply Pressure
Resist the urge to apply pressure. It is always best to touch the eye as little as possible until a physician can examine the injury.
Do Not Attempt to Remove Foreign Objects
Do not attempt to remove ash, debris or shrapnel from the eye. Again, this is a job for a physician, who can properly examine the condition and use the proper procedure and tools to extract any foreign object.
Do Not Take Pain Medication
Do not take any pain medications or attempt to apply any products to the eye. Blood-thinning pain medicines like aspirin may affect emergency treatment and products like ointments or eye drops may worsen the condition and pain.
Meet with Your Eye Doctor
If irritation or other vision problems persist after an eye injury from fireworks, it’s necessary to see an eye doctor near you. A licensed optometrist can help you identify what’s causing the discomfort and help create a recovery plan.
When celebrating, make sure to do so safely!
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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