Many families and communities are making plans for a star-spangled July Fourth in anticipation of the holiday’s traditional fireworks displays. There is always an increase in consumer fireworks displays at this time of the year, but it’s also the time when the country registers the highest number of fireworks-related injuries.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 15% of all firework injuries are eye injuries. Not surprisingly, most firework injuries happen in June and July. Nearly a third of injuries happen to children 15 and younger.
Protecting Your Eyes From Fireworks
Remember, there are no “safe” fireworks, not even sparklers, when it comes to eye safety. You should treat all fireworks as a potential hazard and follow safety precautions. The following are some examples:
- Wear protective goggles and safety gloves
- Keep as much distance as possible from the fireworks once it has been ignited
- Items such as sparklers that require holding can be attached to a long object such as a plastic pipe or a stick
- Remind children not to look directly at the ignited fireworks, as it can affect vision
- Do not allow children to run around when fireworks are lit in the vicinity
- Most importantly, adult supervision is a must when children play with fireworks
What to Do When Fireworks-Related Eye Injury Happens
No matter how many precautions you take, accidents can still happen. The important thing is not to panic, do the right thing when mishaps occur, and get medical attention immediately. The following are some of the things you should do at a bare minimum to minimize damage to the eyes as first-aid:
- Avoid rubbing the damaged eye
- Avoid applying pressure or any medications to the eye
- If any object is stuck in the eye, do not try to remove it since it may cause further damage
- You should not take any medications without your doctor’s approval
The good news is that it does not take much to prevent injuries from happening when playing with fireworks, especially eye injuries. Follow some basic precautions, and you can improve eye safety dramatically from firework accidents and enjoy magnificent displays of fireworks for years to come.
In case of any eye injuries caused by fireworks, sparklers or any other objects during your festivities, get in touch with us at Tayani Institute. We are here to offer professional help.