Eye Safety and Fireworks – Keep Your Eyes Safe this 4th of July with These Tips
July 4th is a high-risk time for eye injuries. In 2019, there were 10,000 injuries and 12 deaths caused by fireworks. While big, bold, and mesmerizing backyard firework displays are exciting, your fun-filled 4th of July can be rudely cut short with a visit to the ER if a firework hits you or your loved one in the eye. Learning eye safety and fireworks is the key to avoiding such a scenario.
How Dangerous are Fireworks to Eye Safety?
Although fireworks are colorful, mesmeric, and add glitz to an already fantastic day, they’re pretty dangerous. Eye injuries account for 19% of the 9,100 firework injuries reported annually in the U.S. One-fourth of the victims usually suffer permanent blindness or visual loss, while one-third more suffer permanent eye damage.
Children below 15 make up most of the victims, but even spectators aren’t safe, as bystanders account for one-fourth of the injured. When a firework hits the eye, it may cause:
- Corneal abrasions
- Retinal detachment
- Ocular trauma
- Rupture of the eye globe
- Permanent vision loss and eye damage
Eye Safety and Fireworks
With July right around the corner, the 4th of July is now closer than ever. Utilize the following eye safety and fireworks tips to enjoy the displays without risking eye health:
Buy the Legal Stuff
Fireworks products like the Quarterpounder and M-80 were banned in the 1960s. You’d think that by now, they wouldn’t be in existence – but surprisingly, they’re still in the market and even account for some fireworks injuries. Avoid such products, and buy only legal fireworks. Legal ones usually feature a label with clear user instructions and the manufacturer’s name.
Rock Protective Eyewear
To enjoy the fantastic fireworks shows coming this 4th of July without having to worry about eye safety, wear protective polycarbonate glasses and other forms of protective eyewear you may have at home.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Debris from misfunctioned fireworks can be thrown up to 100 yards away. So always maintain a safe distance before launching, and keep an eye on your children so they don’t go near it.
Attend Organized Fireworks Shows
Having fireworks displays in your backyard is fun, but 45% of firework-related injuries occur in private settings. So, if you’re short on space, attend organized fireworks shows in your city. These are usually even more colorful and feature tons of fun activities to keep you busy. But if you must have an individual firework show, do it in an open and clear setting, and keep eye safety and fireworks tips in mind.
What to Do in Case of an Eye Injury by Fireworks
While the eye safety and fireworks tips above mitigate chances of an injury, accidents happen when we least expect. So the first thing you should do is seek help from a professional. If you are injured, make sure you
- Don’t remove any objects from the eye
- Avoid rubbing, rinsing, or applying any form of pressure to the injured eye
- Don’t apply eye ointments
Independence Day is a big deal, so it’s no surprise you’re already excited about it. If you plan on attending or having a fireworks display, put the eye safety and fireworks tips above to good use for a safe and fun-filled day. Check us out for more information on eye safety or related inquiries.
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