Did you know that fireworks cause over 9,000 visits to the emergency room each year?
Of those visits, about 15% are eye-related injuries. In an effort to keep your 4th of July celebration safe, keep these tips in mind over the holiday weekend:
- Leave it to the professionals
Though it’s fun to light a firecracker or sparkler, it’s best to leave the firework displays to licensed operators.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
An alarming 65% of firework injuries are to bystanders. Even at a professional firework display, be aware of what is going on around you.
- Know How to Treat an Eye Injury
Firework-related eye injuries can vary from blunt force trauma, heat burns and chemical exposure. These types of injuries should be considered a medical emergency. It is important to:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Avoid rubbing the eye
- Avoid rinsing the eye
- Avoid pressure to the eye
- Avoid removing any object stuck in the eye
