Children at High Risk for Fireworks Eye Injuries

Independence Day is just one week away and as you prepare for backyard barbecues, mojitos and fireworks, keep these few tips in mind to maintain your kids safety in Silver Spring.

About 9,000 people are injured every year from fireworks and about 20 percent of those injuries are to the eyes. Of this number, children amount to more than half of those eye injuries, according to American Academy of Ophthamology (AAO).

“Many Americans get caught up in the excitement of the Fourth of July, and forget that fireworks are also dangerous explosives,” Monica L. Monica, M.D., an ophthalmologist and clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said. “The safest choice is to attend a professional fireworks display, and make it a point to supervise children at all times.”

Officials say that the infamous sparklers are dangerous too. These attractive and seemingly harmless fireworks can burn up to 1,200 degrees and cause 27 percent of all fireworks injuries, including third-degree burns.

To prevent eye injuries, follow these EyeSmart tips from the AAO:

• Never let children play with fireworks of any type.

• View fireworks from at least 500 feet away.

• Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.

• Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.

• If you find unexploded fireworks, do not touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police departments.

For more fireworks safety tips or to find an eye M.D. in your area, visit www.geteyesmart.org.