According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the number of eye injuries caused by fireworks has more than doubled over the past few years, with about 1,300 firework-related eye injuries treated in US emergency rooms in 2014.
With Memorial Day this weekend and 4th of July coming up soon, it's important to remind patients about the dangers of consumer fireworks to their eyes. Here's a few tips to share, courtesy of AAO:
- Although sparklers may seem harmless due to their size, they can reach temperatures as hot as 2,000 degrees. Remember small doesn't equal safe.
- While a firework may look like a dud, it may not act like one — people have been injured by fireworks they thought were extinguished.
- Even if you're not lighting your own consumer fireworks this year, you can still be in the line of fire of those around you — stay alert and out of harm’s way.
- Need to see fireworks? Attend a professional show instead!
And remind patients if they experience a fireworks-related eye injury to seek medical attention immediately, avoiding rubbing or rinsing the eyes or applying pressure, and do not remove any object from the eye, apply ointments or take any pain medications prior to seeking medical help.
Click here to read the full press release.
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology