As we approach our nation’s birthday and revel in the various festivities, it is important to be mindful of the dangers of fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, seventy-five percent of fireworks injuries occur during the months of June and July and had to be treated in the emergency room.

Of these injuries, most occurred in children and young adults who are incorrectly thinking that they have the expertise to use fireworks properly, perceiving them as a game or toy. With fifteen percent of injuries caused by fireworks impacting the eyes, Family Vision Center wants to help our patients stay safe.

“Some of the more serious injuries fireworks can cause include chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment,” Dr. Helen Ambizas said. “Each of these may result in vision loss.”

Here are a few tips to protect your vision and prevent injuries from fireworks:

• Keep all fireworks, including sparklers, away from children.
• Stay a safe distance away from the display, including those done by professionals.
• Do not attempt to relight a “dud” firework. Instead, douse it with water.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors, in a large clear area, void of trees and high grasses.
• When lighting, keep your body as far from the firework as possible.

Protecting our vision has to be the number one priority. The best way to prevent injuries from fireworks is to avoid them altogether. Yet if an accident occurs, here is some guidance:

• Do not rub the impacted eye.
• Do not rinse out with water or apply over the counter ointments.
• Do not apply any pressure to the eyes.

Your best course of action if you or your child experience an injury due to fireworks is to head to your local emergency room so that medical professionals can apply proper treatment. In the meantime, now is the perfect time to get your child’s vision checked by an eye care professional.

Contact Family Vision Center today to make your appointment in either our Stratford or Bridgeport centers.