The Fourth of July is drawing near and barbeque preparations are underway. Fireworks are a traditional part of Independence Day celebrations, but they can also be dangerous.
Sadly, children and teens are too often hurt by fireworks. So, before the celebration begins, get your EyeSmart fireworks safety tips from the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Of the 9,000 fireworks-related injuries each year, 21 percent are eye injuries and more than half of the victims are young children or teenagers. For example:
"Our eyes are one of the most important parts of our bodies - but they are also very fragile," said Michael H. Goldstein, M.D., president of the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. "Unfortunately, we see a spike in injured patients this time each year because people forget that fireworks, while fun, are also dangerous. Kids are especially vulnerable to fireworks hazards."
Even sparklers are dangerous. Sparklers typically burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause 27 percent of all fireworks injuries, including third-degree burns. Bottle rockets cause some of the most serious eye injuries. Errant bottle rockets can injure bystanders and cause eye lid lacerations, corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, rupture of the eyeball, and complete blindness. One in every six fireworks-related eye injuries results in permanent vision loss or blindness.
To prevent eye injuries, follow these EyeSmart tips:
Source: American Academy of Ophthamology
Links:
[1] http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=12651
[2] http://www.geteyesmart.org
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/fireworks-safety-tips
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/fireworks/leave-fireworks-professionals-this-fourth-july