Injuries from fireworks are severe because there is a combination of force, chemicals, and heat. It is important to know the safety tips to make your celebration fun and safe. We are all aware that fireworks are legal but it does not automatically mean it is safe. You should know the risks as you protect your sight.
When you are viewing fireworks, you should follow the safety tips below:
● Do not handle fireworks if you are not knowledgeable about them. Leave it to the professionals. It is much safer to let a professional do it than purchasing consumer fireworks.
● If you are lighting your fireworks, make sure to follow local and state laws, fireworks instructions, and warning labels.
● Parents let their kids use sparklers because they seem harmless and fun but the truth is that they cause 1,400 eye injuries each year. Do not let your kids play with fireworks. A sparkler can burn at 2,000 degrees which means it can cause severe burns.
● Keep your distance. According to a recent study, 65% of firework injuries affect bystanders. Make sure that you are not too close. You can still enjoy it from a distance.
● Protective eyewear must be worn when handling fireworks or even just an onlooker. Nearly half of people injured by fireworks are bystanders.
● Seek medical attention immediately if an eye injury occurs.
What Are the Typical Eye Injuries From Fireworks?
The typical eye injuries from fireworks include a detached retina, ruptured eyeball, scratched cornea, and burns. There are thousands of people every year that suffer from fireworks-related injuries. At two weeks before and after the 4th of July, an average of 280 people will go to the emergency room with a fireworks-related injury. It is important to celebrate safely and protect eyesight.
How to Respond to an Eye Injury From Fireworks
It is considered to be a medical emergency if an eye injury from fireworks occurs. Here is what you should immediately do:
● Do not rub eyes.
● Do not rinse your eyes with water or any liquid solution.
● Do not apply pressure on the injured area.
● Do not remove foreign objects that are stuck in the eye.
● Do not apply any ointments on the injured area because it can worsen the injury.
● Do not take any pain medications including aspirin or ibuprofen. If you are going to take one, it should be prescribed by a doctor.
