4 Ways to Prevent Fireworks Eye Injuries for the Fourth of July

Fourth of July means fireworks and fun, but it can also lead to a surprising amount of eye injuries. Ensure your summer parties stay painless with our top tips below.

Celebrate Safely

• Be aware of falling debris and sparks at fireworks displays. Remember to supervise young children and discourage running with sparklers at home. Never allow children to light their own fireworks—that’s often best left for the professionals.
• When cooking on the grill or campfire, watch out for grease splatters. Grease shields and eye protection are never a bad choice.
• Champagne is always the life of the party. Just make sure to wrap the cork in a towel if you can. Open the bottle facing away from you and all other partygoers.

Yard Work and Play

• Keep yourself and the kids safe from injury by choosing appropriate eyewear. Eye protection during sports can prevent traumatic injuries.
• Rough play and fighting can be a source of blunt force injuries. These should be evaluated by a professional.
• Lawnmowers and leaf blowers can kick debris into the air, so protect yourself when working on your lawn!

Keep your Shades On

• Did you know your eyes can get sunburn? Sunglasses are an easy and stylish way to prevent the pain associated with UV burns. Polarized lenses are even better at reducing glare while offering UV protection.

Beware of Flying Objects

• Be cautious using and pouring chemicals. If you splash in your eye, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and contact your doctor. Let them know exactly what substance splashed in your eye to get more instructions.
• Tape a paper cup over the injured eye to prevent further injury. If you suspect that you or someone you know has an eye injury, contact your eye doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Firework related accidents typically happen on holidays and weekends. Most urgent care or smaller hospitals do not have trained ophthalmologists on call 24/7; however larger hospitals do. If you cannot reach your eye doctor visit a hospital that has a Ophthalmologist available or on call.

Now that you know how to stay safe this summer, have fun and keep your eyes safe and healthy!

Originally published June 30, 2017