Preventing Eye Injuries from Fireworks

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EyeQue Team

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July 4, 2019

4th of July sparkler in front of American flag

July is Eye Injury Prevention Month. Did you know that fireworks cause approximately 10,500 visits to the emergency room each year? In the most serious cases, fireworks can cause permanent damage to your eyes and even blindness. Eye injuries from fireworks are a dangerous mix of blunt force trauma, heat and chemical burns. It can cause serious eye injuries such as corneal abrasions and retinal detachments.

If you want to enjoy fireworks safely with your loved ones, make sure to follow these fireworks eye safety tips:

Think About Risk Factors

Be Cautious in the Summer: Most eye injuries from fireworks happen during the months of June and July.

Men Are at Risk: Men are more likely to suffer from injuries caused by fireworks. They accounted for 64% of fireworks injuries.

Young People Are at Risk: Keep an extra eye on your young family members. Kids between 10 to 14 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (5.2 injuries per 100,000 people). Older teens between 15 to 19 years of age, had the second highest estimated rate (3.1 injuries per 100,000 people).

Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Rather than risk doing your own fireworks, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you attend a professional, public fireworks show rather than purchasing fireworks that you use at home.

Even if you are attending a fireworks show done by professionals, make sure to stand behind all safety barriers. Don’t touch any unexploded fireworks that you may find. Alert local police or your fire department to dispose of it.

What to Do in Case of An Eye Injury

  • Seek medical attention as soon as you can
  • Do not apply pressure to the eye
  • Do not take over-the-counter pain medications (they may contain blood thinners that will cause more eye damage)
  • Do not attempt to dislodge anything stuck in the eye
  • Do not apply any ointments without consulting an eye doctor

We hope that you and your family have a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration!

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