June 10, 2016 at 5:55 p.m.
Practice fireworks safety: Avoid fireworks-related injuries to the eyes, especially in children
Practice fireworks safety: Avoid fireworks-related injuries to the eyes, especially in children
Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA) members urge the public to exercise caution and safety when fireworks are present.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC (http://www.cpsc.gov/), an estimated 10,500 fireworks-related injuries were treated in 2014. In a study of fireworks-related injuries conducted by CPSC staff from June 20-July 20, 2014, 67 percent of such injuries occurred in the month surrounding July 4. Contusions and lacerations to as well as lodged foreign bodies in the eye occurred frequently. Of concern, children and young adults under 20 years of age accounted for nearly half of all estimated injuries caused by fireworks, and approximately 35 percent of children under the age of 15 suffered injuries. Prevalent on the list of injury causes were sparklers, a favorite among children generally thought to be reasonably safe in the minds of many adults. Regarding gender, males comprised a much greater percentage of reported injuries at 74 percent compared to 26 percent of reported fireworks-related injuries to females. Note: CPSC releases fireworks-related injury statistics approximately one year after each study is conducted; further data from the survey can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/.
"As adults and parents, we must take the reins in promoting the safe use of fireworks to everyone within our circle of family and friends," advises 2016 WOA President and Madison area optometrist Dr. Callie Enyart. "As an eye doctor, I have seen firsthand the devastating results of fireworks-related accidents to the eye. Most of these injuries could have been avoided."
WOA members remind all citizens that no private use of fireworks is completely without risk, and urge Wisconsinites to attend fireworks displays conducted by professionals. If you do choose to use fireworks, please follow common sense safety guidelines; provide adult supervision to children at all times, do not allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks (sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees; hot enough to melt some metals), never shoot off fireworks in metal or glass containers/carry fireworks in a pocket, never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully, and always keep a bucket of water or garden hose on-hand in case of a malfunction or fire.
If an accident does occur, minimize damage to the eye and potentially help save a person's sight by following these guidelines:
• Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly mild injuries. "Mildly" damaged areas can worsen and end in serious vision loss or even blindness.
• Shield the eye from pressure. Tape or secure the bottom of a foam cup, milk carton or similar shield against the brow, cheek, and bridge of the nose.
• Do not rub the eye or apply pressure. If any eye tissue is torn, rubbing might cause more serious damage.
• Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
• Do not give aspirin/ibuprofen (or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to try to reduce the pain. These medications thin the blood and might increase bleeding.
• Do not apply ointment or any medication without consulting a licensed eye doctor.
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