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THE BLINDING TRUTH ABOUT FIREWORKS Whether its Guy Fawkes, Diwali, New Year’s Eve or a family celebration, as the end of the year draws near so does the season of sparkle and the dazzle of fireworks. Fireworks elicit a sense of awe and wonder as we ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’, but what optometrists hear all too often is ‘ow’ and ‘ouch’. Second only to hands and fingers, the eyes are one of the body parts most frequently injured by fireworks. From cuts and bruises to damaged corneas, retinas and ruptured eyeballs, eye injuries can be particularly serious due to the intense force, heat, and chemicals involved. COMMON EYE INJURIES FROM FIREWORKS According to a study of hospital visits in USA, the most common fireworks-related eye injuries in the U.S. are eyelid lacerations, eye burns, foreign objects in the eye, inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer covering the white part of the eye, and a ruptured eyeball. Some of these injuries can lead to permanent visual impairment. Complications of fireworks injuries may include scarring of the cornea, increased pressure in the eye, injury-related cataract or cloudiness of the normally clear lens of the eye and damage to the retina. WHAT CAN GO WRONG? Don’t underestimate safe fireworks. Even careful well-intended use of fireworks can lead to injuries, and even seemingly harmless fireworks can cause serious damage. Fireworks don’t always function as planned; they can malfunction, misfire, launch in the wrong direction, or unexpectedly explode all at once. Flaws in equipment and explosives are a leading cause of fireworks injuries and deaths. ARE SOME FIREWORKS MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHERS? Sparklers are considered relatively harmless, but they reach extremely high temperatures and are usually held closer to the eyes than other fireworks, increasing the danger to the eyes. Firecrackers have been reported to be the top cause of injury. Bottle rockets, which fly erratically and explode, are a leading cause of eye-related accidents and usually cause the most serious injuries. Roman candles send fireballs into the air one after another, which could send out potentially harmful sparks. The smoky haze from fireworks contains particles that can irritate eyes and worsen allergies or dry eye. |
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WHAT TO DO IN THE CASE OF AN EYE INJURY An eye injury from fireworks can worsen quickly and is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care and in the meantime, follow these guidelines:
KEEP SAFE AND ENJOY THE SPARKLE Eye injuries from fireworks are preventable with a few simple cautionary rules. To avoid potential injuries from fireworks, watching a professional fireworks display is a safe alternative, but bystanders need to take certain precautions. Respect safety barriers, follow all safety instructions and view fireworks from a safe distance away. The wearing of protective eyewear is recommended. Do not touch unexploded fireworks. If lighting fireworks at home, discuss firework safety with children. Do not allow young children to touch them and closely supervise older children. Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials. Be aware of your surroundings and only light fireworks when family, friends and children are at a safe distance. Carefully follow instructions for using fireworks. Wear protective eyewear. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks; soak them with water and throw them away. Keep unused fireworks away from the firing areas. Animals are easily frightened by fireworks and may become distressed. Ensure that pets are safely indoors as far from exposure to the noise and light as possible. |
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Instead of lighting fireworks, consider purchasing glow-sticks or glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces, or have children decorate t-shirts or hats with glow-in-the-dark paints to create their own sparkle without endangering their eyes. These alternatives still bring plenty of color, fun, and excitement to the celebration. They also allow kids to be creative and take part in the festivities without risk. Most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the memories made are safe, joyful, and every bit as bright. |
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