Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Eye Exams, General Eye Health on June 12, 2024
June is National Fireworks Eye Safety Month. In the lead-up to July 4th celebrations, it’s a good idea to review eye safety protocols before setting off any fireworks.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were over 10,000 emergency room visits for firework-related injuries in 2022. 16% of those injuries involved the eyes.
The vast majority of fireworks injuries happen around July 4th. If you’re planning to set off fireworks this summer, follow a few safety precautions to make sure your eyes stay safe.
Keep reading to learn seven tips to keep your eyes safe during Fireworks Eye Safety Month!
Only Use Fireworks Labeled For Consumer Use
Professional fireworks contain more explosive materials than the ones for consumer use. You should not attempt to buy or use professional fireworks if you don’t have the requisite training.
Follow the Directions on the Fireworks
Carefully read the safety guidelines for any type of consumer fireworks. Make sure you understand how the firework will ignite and follow the correct steps to minimize the risk of injury.
If a firework doesn’t explode, don’t touch it. They should be thoroughly saturated with water and disposed of according to local regulations.
Use Protective Eyewear
Wearing safety goggles or safety glasses can protect your eyes from sparks or debris. Choose eyewear that wraps around the side of your face for optimal protection.
Keep a Bucket of Water Nearby While Setting off Fireworks
Have water nearby whenever you use fireworks. A bucket of water can be a safe repository if you need to quickly drop a hot item.
You can also use water to quickly cool burns. Have a fire extinguisher handy to put out flames.
Only Adults Should Handle Fireworks
There are no fireworks that are safe for kids to set off. Even sparklers can get so hot that children injure themselves or drop them.
Children should never handle fireworks.
Keep a Safe Distance
Even if you are only watching, keep back from any fireworks as they’re being set off. Popular consumer fireworks like bottle rockets can veer off course and injure bystanders.
Stay a safe distance back and consider wearing protective eyewear.
Learn First Aid for Eyes
If you do experience an eye injury, call 911 or go to the hospital. You should also know the best practices for treating it:
- Do not rub your eyes
- Do not rinse your eyes
- Do not apply pressure
- Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye
- Do not apply ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to the professionals! Watching a fireworks display with friends and family is a great way to get your fireworks fix.
You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Take care of your eyes on the Fourth of July and all year long by getting regular eye exams. Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
