Fireworks Safety Awareness Week – June 28th to July 4th

According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, firework accidents lead to more than 10,000 visits to the emergency room annually. As families and communities prepare for an Independence Day filled with patriotic fervor, the Prevent Blindness Foundation is emphasizing the significance of fireworks safety during this month.

Read on as an optometrist Marysville, WA talks about safety tips for handling fireworks and what to do in the case of an eye injury. 

Tips for Fireworks Safety

Attending a professional public fireworks show is the safest way to avoid potentially blinding injuries caused by fireworks, rather than purchasing them for personal use.

For those who choose to buy and use fireworks, following these safety tips is crucial:

• Do not permit young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers, often considered a “safe” firework for young ones, burn at extremely high temperatures and should not be given to young children. 
• Older children should only handle fireworks under close adult supervision.
• Set off fireworks outdoors in an open area, away from houses, dry leaves, grass, or any other flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for dousing fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
• Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning or “dud” fireworks. Soak them in water and discard them.
• Never position any part of your body directly over a firework while lighting it.

What to Do in the Event of a Fireworks Eye Injury

Fireworks-related eye injuries can involve a combination of blunt force trauma, heat burns, and chemical exposure. If a fireworks-related eye injury occurs, it should be treated as a medical emergency.

• Avoid rubbing the injured eye, as rubbing may exacerbate bleeding or worsen the injury.
• Do not attempt to rinse out the eye, as this can be more harmful than rubbing.
• Avoid applying pressure directly to the eye. Instead, apply a clean eye patch, or use the bottom of a foam cup or juice carton to cover the injured eye and prevent further contact with any objects, including the child’s hand.
• Do not delay seeking medical attention in favor of pain medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers offer limited relief and can potentially increase bleeding, especially aspirin (which should never be given to children) and ibuprofen. It is essential to promptly take the child to the emergency room, prioritizing medical attention over pain relief.
• Refrain from applying ointment to the eye. Ointments, which may lack sterility, can make the area surrounding the eye slippery and hinder the eye doctor’s examination.

If you have more questions or have an eye emergency, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local optometrist Marysville, WA, anytime!