Protect Your Eyes from Fireworks

It’s that time of year again! The 4th of July, fireworks, and all the fun that comes along with the holiday. But did you know that July is also Fireworks Safety Month? There are more than 2,000 reported eye injuries from fireworks every year, but these accidents are almost all entirely preventable. Here are my tips for protecting your eyes (and your childrens’ eyes) from fireworks this year.

• Wear eye protection. Whether it’s eyeglasses, sunglasses or safety goggles, keep your eyes covered to protect them from any foreign matter—including sparks and flames.
• Supervise your children. So many accidents that we see are the result of unsupervised children, which is very easily preventable. Keep the fireworks out of reach when you’re not around.
• Maintain a safe distance from the fireworks you are lighting off. Keep sparklers and other fireworks pointed away from your face and eyes. And always light fireworks off outside in an open area, away from foliage and homes.
• In case of injury, seek medical assistance immediately. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an accident may happen. Even “mild” injuries can worsen if untreated, resulting in more serious vision loss. Stay calm and avoid rubbing or rinsing the eye—just get to the nearest medical professional as quickly as possible.

We hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day! If you have a fun family tradition on the holiday, we’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments below.