Avoid Fireworks Eye Injury this July 4th

As we all get ready to kick off the July 4^th celebrations it is important to be aware of the need for care and caution with regard to fireworks eye safety in order to prevent eye injury. To enjoy the fireworks this July 4^th, it’s best to leave their use and display to professionals. Eye safety is pretty critical with fireworks displays as we know that:

eye injuries are the second most frequent injury 

we see from the emergency room each July 4^th weekend!!! 

The best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. You should consider attending only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. However, if an eye accidesmcnt does occur, there are a few things you should know:

• Do NOT Rub Your Eyes
• Do NOT Try To Rinse Your Eyes. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
• Do NOT Apply Pressure to Your Eyes, but DO protect your eyes from further contact with any item, including a person’s hand.
• Do NOT Stop for Medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the person to the emergency room at once.
• Do NOT Apply Ointments or Drops. They may not be sterile and may make the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

If you or someone you know has questions about fireworks eye safety and eye injuries please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & LaserCenter or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.