4th of July Safety Tips

Celebrating Independence Day will be different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but you can still have fun and make memories not eye injuries from fireworks.

According to the @aaoeye / American Academy of Ophthalmology, most injuries are caused by legal fireworks that parents buy for their children, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles.

Fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment — all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.

10 fireworks safety tips you should use and teach to your kids:

•Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.

•Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.

•Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

•Never point or throw fireworks at another person. •Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.

•Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks. •Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

•Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.

•Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.

•Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

What to Do for a Fireworks Eye Injury:

•Seek medical attention immediately.

•Do not rub your eyes.

•Do not rinse your eyes.

•Do not apply pressure.

•Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye. •Do not apply ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor.

✨ Stay safe and leave the fireworks to the professionals