July is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month, a time when the Indiana and American Academies of Ophthalmology urge adults to comply with fireworks safety rules. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries occur each year.
“Playing with fireworks can lead to head injuries, burns and eye injuries that could result in vision loss,” said Dr. Eikenberry, assistant professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. “Children are often given sparklers, and those devices can reach a temperature of 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause a third-degree burn.”
The IAO says children age 15 or younger account for half of all fireworks injuries in the United States, with sparkers causing one third of those injuries.
“Don’t let your fourth of July celebration be marred by a preventable injury that could cause long-term problems for your health and your vision,” said Dr. Eikenberry. “Too many celebrations come to an early end when a child or an adult has to be rushed to an emergency room with an injury caused by fireworks. It’s best to leave fireworks displays to the experts, and attend a professional display rather than a backyard version as these are potentially dangerous explosive devices.”
Eye injuries from fireworks could include cuts, burns, abrasions, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, rupture of the eyeball, and complete blindness. This damage can be permanent, Dr. Eikenberry said.
Dr. Eikenberry suggests following these tips for a safe Fourth of July celebration:
- Do not allow children to play with fireworks, particularly sparklers
- Leave the lighting of fireworks to a professional at a public display
- View fireworks displays from a distance of at least 500 feet
- Do not attempt to relight or handle any fireworks that have malfunctioned
- Seek immediate help at an emergency room for an injury related to fireworks
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