July is a wonderful time to celebrate friends, family and our countries freedom. Nearly every community across the country celebrates the fourth with gatherings, parades and of course, fireworks. Fourth of July fireworks have long been a popular tradition, and while we can’t wait to cheer them on with our neighbors, it is important to remember to practice eye safety when handling or viewing fireworks.
More than 9,000 fireworks injuries occur in the United States each year, approximately 45 percent of these injuries are sustained by children age 15 and under. Additionally, one in six fireworks-related eye injuries results in permanent vision loss or blindness. Eye injuries from fireworks include cuts, burns, abrasions, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, rupture of the eyeball, and complete blindness. 1
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has created a list of safety recommendations to consider when you plan to be near fireworks.
For those who attend professional fireworks displays and/or live in communities surrounding the shows:
If you do experience an eye injury during a fireworks accident, seek help from an Ophthalmologist immediately.
We hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Learn more about how to protect and care for your eyes and what Cabarrus Eye Center can do to help you see better at https://www.cabarruseye.com, call us at (704) 782-1127 or visit us at: Cabarrus Eye Center, 201 LePhillip Court, Concord, North Carolina 28025