Community Corner

Sparklers, Eyes Don't Mix

The Georgia Optometric Association is urging parents to practice fireworks safety this Fourth of July.

The Georgia Optometric Association has seen it all, quite literally. One of the most common eye injuries is due to unsafe handling of sparklers on the Fourth of July.

For most Americans, the Fourth of July holiday is marked by backyard barbeques and patriotic fireworks displays. Unfortunately, the fun can be cut short when fireworks are used inappropriately and cause serious injuries. Some of the most common fireworks injuries are eye abrasions, lacerations, contusions and foreign matter in the eye.

The majority of these cases are related to the use of sparklers.  

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“Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is a great American tradition, but safety needs to be the top priority,” said Dr. Tom Spetalnick, president of the Georgia Optometric Association. “Children are frequent victims of injury from fireworks, particularly sparklers which are often handled at close distances.” 

According to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were the culprit for an estimated 8,800 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms during 2009. Fifty-four percent of those who were injured were children or teenagers.      

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“If a firework-related eye injury does occur, always follow up with a full eye exam,” said Spetalnick. “An optometrist will help ensure that the injury heals correctly and can monitor for potential future vision problems.”  

To help prevent injury during fireworks season, the Georgia Optometric Association recommends the following tips to help protect and preserve eyesight during the Fourth of July holiday:          

  • Avoid purchasing sparklers. Heating up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, sparklers are the number one cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room.
  • Discuss firework safety with children and teens prior to the Fourth of July holiday. Do not allow kids to handle fireworks, and never leave them unsupervised near fireworks.
  • Wear protective eyewear when lighting and handling fireworks of any kind.
  • Store fireworks, matches and lighters in a secure place where children won’t find them.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and only light fireworks when family, friends and children are at a safe distance. 

To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on how best to protect your eyes during the Fourth of July holiday, please visit the association online.


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