One of the most well-known things about Independence Day is fireworks. But there are risks, says Lions Clubs International, a group that works all over the world to protect sight.
Every year, fireworks hurt the eyes of thousands of people all over the country. Almost three-quarters of these injuries happen around the July Fourth holiday.
About 2,000 eye injuries are reported every year, and almost half of them happened to people who weren't the ones who set off the fireworks. Sparklers are the most common reason for kids to get hurt in the eyes. Sparklers are made of small pieces of metal that burn at a temperature of about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dr. Christopher Andreoli, the chief resident and director of eye trauma at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, says, "Even though we've made a lot of progress in being able to fix severely hurt eyes, the damage is often so bad that the person loses one or both eyes or goes blind."
But Andreoli says that most fireworks-related eye injuries can be avoided. These tips can help save your sight, from Lions Clubs International and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary:
- Don't get too close. You should watch fireworks from at least 500 feet away, and you should never get close to one that is lit. Many people get hurt when they check on a firework that didn't go off.
- Let the adults handle it. Don't let kids light fireworks or be around people who are.
- Let the experts handle it. Instead of setting off your own fireworks, pack a picnic and go to a professional show.
- Protect your eyes. People can protect their eyes from smoke, falling ash, and stray sparks by wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.
If something does happen, Andreoli says to cover the hurt eye. Don't put pressure on or rub the eye because that can make the injury worse and cause it to bleed. Until you see a doctor, don't eat or drink anything. First and foremost, get medical help right away.
Lions Clubs International has nearly 1.35 million members in 197 countries. It is the largest service club organisation in the world.
