Firework Eye Safety

Advanced Eyecare Professionals (AEP) ophthalmologists and optometrists want to remind people to always be careful with fireworks. Eye injuries are among the highest reported fireworks injuries. 

"Most firework accidents are preventable. The safest way to enjoy fireworks during the 4th of July is to attend a professionally held fireworks display,” says Dr. Michael Flohr, M.D. one of AEP’s ophthalmologists. “Your future vision is worth protecting!”

Please note that debris can be blown or drop down even from big commercial fireworks displays, so eye protection when sitting close to a professional display is important too.

JUST BECAUSE FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL DOESN'T MEAN THEY'RE SAFE.   

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, although the most disabling injuries occur with illegal fireworks, the highest numbers of injuries come from the legal fireworks parents buy for their children—including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles.

Though sparklers may seem harmless, they typically burn at 1,800 degrees or more—enough to melt some metals. They should not be handled by young children who may not understand the danger. 

Equip older children who have sparklers with ANSI z87 rated safety glasses and gloves. Provide supervision from the time you light the sparklers to when you douse and safely dispose of them in a bucket of water.

“If you’re going to put on your own fireworks show, please wear ANSI z87 rated safety glasses and provide them to those in attendance,” says Dr. Brian Weller, O.D. one of AEP’s optometrists. "Depending on the activity and/or sport, regular glasses or sunglasses might not prevent eye injuries. In fact, certain types of lenses can be more likely to break or shatter and cause more harm, so it's important to wear the proper eye protection for what activity or sport you are doing."

GENERAL FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

• Clear the area where you'll be lighting fireworks of flammable materials such as dry leaves or grass and make sure bystanders only view the show from at least 500 feet away.
• Never pick up a firework and look down the barrel after it has been lit. Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one. So-called duds can and do explode while being held, blasting hot debris into eyes.
• Never pick up a firework and look down the barrel after it has been lit. Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one. So-called duds can and do explode while being held, blasting hot debris into eyes.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Keep unused fireworks away from the firing area.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over fireworks while lighting.
• Remember to use extreme caution, follow manufacture directions and safety protocol explicitly and protect your eyes at all times when using fireworks.

IF YOU RECEIVE A FIREWORK INJURY TO THE EYE...

• Don't panic and keep the victim as calm as possible.
• Get medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems mild, the damaged area may worsen if you don't get proper treatment right away.
• If hot ash falls in your eye, rinse it with water. But if the eye is hit with a high-velocity projectile, hands off.
• Don't touch or rub the eye.
• If hit with a projectile, avoid rinsing the injured eye. Instead, shield the eye by covering with a paper cup or something similar that won't make contact with the eye. Gently tape the shield there for a temporary eye patch.
• Never attempt to remove an object stuck in the eye.
• Do not apply ointments or take aspirin or ibuprofen before getting medical help. These are blood thinners and can make things worse.

Everyone at Advanced Eyecare Professionals hopes that you and your family have a safe and wonderful Independence Day holiday! 

If you have any questions about eye safety please let us know.
HASTINGS 269-945-3866
IONIA 616-522-1000
LOWELL 616-897-7000
If you have a medical emergency please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.