How to Prevent Blindness from Fireworks Injuries

The 4th of July is coming up and that means fireworks! Every year there are thousands of fireworks related injuries, many of which have to do with eyes. The most important thing to do when there is any kind of fireworks injury is to call 911, but while you wait for the ambulance to arrive, here are some things to do that could save your sight.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing can irritate the eye, increase bleeding and worsen the damage.

2. Unless the 911 operator specifically tells you to, do not irrigate the eye with water.

3. Do not apply pressure to the eye. Cover the eye with some sterile gauze and tape, the bottom of a plastic or foam cup or other item that will prevent touching and pressure on the eye until help arrives.

4. Do not take pain killers. Wait for the paramedics or until you arrive at the emergency room. Aspirin can thin blood.

5. Do not apply ointment. The ointment will make your eye slippery and hard to examine. Sticky ointments such as Neosporin can trap dirt and dust near or in the eye.

Tips & Warnings

• Always point fireworks away from people and animals.
• Always have water or a fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies.
• Always place fireworks on the ground when lighting.
• Never allow children to play with fireworks unsupervised.
• Never allow children under five to play with sparklers.

Resources

• Eye Injury Information
• 10 Ways to Prevent Eye Injuries at Work