Fireworks Can Lead to Permanent Eye Damage
As we continue further and further into summer, we inch closer to the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays of the year within the United States. After all, it celebrates our country’s birth. It’s a time for families and friends to get together for Fourth of July parties. People throw cookouts, visit the lake, shoot off fireworks, and so much more. While this holiday is full of fun and excitement, like with all holidays, it does present its own dangers.
Fireworks have become a staple during Fourth of July celebrations. The holiday and fireworks have become synonymous with each other. While these explosives are a spectacle, they are dangerous and should be handled with caution. Even when you are careful and exercise caution, accidents can still happen. And they are often devastating. Because fireworks are explosives, your entire body is at risk. However, your eyes are particularly at risk.
The Fourth of July is a time for coming together with friends and family. We grill, swim, drink, shoot fireworks, and more. Unfortunately, people experience disaster far too often during this holiday. Eye injuries happen at alarming rates throughout the Fourth of July weekend. Everyone celebrating this holiday must prioritize eye safety. If you suffer an injury this Fourth of July, contact First Eye Care DFW and let us help.
Eye Injuries
As we said earlier, fireworks are explosives, which means they are inherently dangerous. Even though they are a source of entertainment, if you do not have the proper training to handle them or are careless, you can cause severe injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s annual fireworks injury report, 9,100 fireworks-related injuries occurred throughout 2018. There were also five deaths. Roughly two-thirds of these injuries occurred in the month surrounding the Fourth of July weekend, from mid-June to mid-July.
Furthermore, in a recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, eye injuries are one of the most common injuries people sustain because of fireworks, making up 19% of fireworks-related injuries. As we have spoken about time and time again, your eye is a sensitive body part. Even the smallest scratch can lead to injury.
Some of the most common eye injuries caused by fireworks are:
- Thermal burns
- Chemical burns
- Corneal abrasions
- Retinal detachment
- Ruptured globe
Many of these injuries can lead to permanent eye damage, as well as partial or complete vision loss. If you do sustain an eye injury celebrating the Fourth of July, you must seek emergency eye treatment as soon as possible.
Fireworks and Children
When people think about fireworks, they often imagine the fireworks that lead to explosions in the sky. However, these are not always the fireworks that lead to injury while celebrating the Fourth of July. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, and even sparklers can all lead to eye injuries.
Many people are often surprised by the danger that sparklers present, but they tend to forget that sparklers can reach a temperature of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature can cause significant damage to human skin and eyes. Unfortunately, many parents or guardians are unaware of this and let their young children play with them.
In a report detailing fireworks-related eye injuries, 65.9% of recorded injuries were of individuals 18 years or younger. Many children are often given sparklers because many view them as safe for young children, which is not the case. Bottle rockets and sparklers were the primary cause of injury for individuals 18 and under. Young children should never be allowed to light or play with fireworks. All fireworks are dangerous and can cause severe injuries.
Young children can still enjoy fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend without lighting them or playing with them.
Fourth of July Eye Safety
The entire team at First Eye Care DFW wants all of you to enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations without fear of disaster, which is why we are here to provide you with some useful tips to help you protect your eyes this coming holiday weekend.
You can keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July:
- Never under any circumstance should you allow young children to light, play with, or ignite any kind of firework.
- Always have adult supervision when an older child is using a firework, even if a child has a sparkler. Remember, sparklers can burn over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can still severely harm a child.
- Set off fireworks outdoors in open areas, away from houses and dry foliage.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water to prevent accidents.
- Do not touch unexploded fireworks remains. Notify your local fire department to remove the remains.
- Always wear protective eyewear when handling or igniting fireworks.
- Keep a safe distance between you and fireworks. Many experts suggest at least 500 feet of separation.
- Only trained professionals should light massive fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
- Never have a part of your body over a firework when lighting one.
- Store fireworks in cool, dry locations. Make sure unused fireworks are kept away from firing locations.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
What to Do Following an Eye Injury
If a firework does cause an eye injury, it is vital that you do not panic. These are medical emergencies, and you must treat them as such. If you do sustain an eye injury:
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Do not rub your eyes.
- Do not apply pressure.
- Avoid rinsing your eyes.
- If an object is stuck in your eye, do not remove it.
- Do not apply any ointment or medication until a doctor has seen your injury.
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration. It’s a time to come together with friends and family to celebrate the birth of our nation. While this holiday is a time for fun, it far too often ends in disaster. If you suffered an eye injury due to fireworks or other Fourth of July activities, contact First Eye Care DFW and let us help.