12 Ways To Protect Your Eyes During Firework Shows

It’s Guy Fawkes Night and Londoners will light thousands of fireworks to celebrate the occasion. But although the sky will be ablaze with colourful light, there are some things to keep in mind if you value your safety.

As researchers have found, the eye is the most frequently injured body part related to the use of fireworks, accounting for more than 2,000 injuries every year.

In the UK, 10 people lose their sight and around 300 people suffer serious eye injuries as a result of accidents caused by fireworks.

Operating fireworks unsafely can cause scratches to the cornea, chemical and thermal burns or, in rare cases, rupture your eyes.

So while it’s definitely a fun experience to watch a fireworks show, remember these rules:~

1. Let The Professionals Do It

Visit an organised display or hire a professional to take care of all of your fireworks needs.

2. Shield Your Eyes

Wear protective gear, even if you wear regular glasses. Look for polycarbonate lenses or other forms of protection.

3. Think Of The Children

Make sure that any kids attending a fireworks show are at a safe distance and do not let them play with the fireworks, even sparklers.

4. Be Aware of Debris

Fireworks can sometimes misfire or release debris. Be cautious and keep a safe distance from any fallen or unexploded fireworks.

5. Do Not Touch Lit Fireworks

If the fireworks didn’t go off, don’t attempt to go back to check on them. Sometimes it takes a while due to a damaged fuse. If they don’t go off at all, contact your nearest fire department.

6. Use Protective Eyewear

Wear safety glasses or goggles specifically designed for eye protection. Regular eyeglasses or sunglasses are not sufficient.

7. Watch from a Designated Viewing Area

If you're attending a fireworks display, find a designated viewing area where safety measures are in place.

8. Do Not Touch Your Eyes

Do not rub, rinse or apply any creams or other substances to your eyes. Let a professional help you, otherwise you risk increasing the damage done to your vision.

9. Protective Barrier for Small Displays

If you're using small, legal fireworks at home, consider setting up a protective barrier to shield spectators from any potential debris.

10. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Have a first aid kit and phone with emergency numbers readily available in case of any accidents.

11. Seek Immediate Medical Attention if Injured

If an eye injury occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Do not rub or apply pressure to the injured eye.

12. Call An Ambulance

The quicker you get help, the less damage your eyes are.

Fireworks are fun! Enjoy the night show and remember: it’s better safe than sorry.

Seeking Immediate Medical Care

If someone has sustained an eye injury due to a firework disaster, seeking immediate medical attention from an eye clinic is crucial. Here's how an eye clinic can help:

1. Emergency Care: Eye clinics are equipped to handle eye emergencies. They have specialised equipment and experienced staff trained to assess and treat eye injuries promptly.
2. Expert Evaluation: Eye specialists at the clinic will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the injury. This may include visual acuity tests, pupil evaluation, and imaging if necessary.
3. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, the eye clinic will develop a tailored treatment plan. This may involve cleaning and dressing wounds, administering medications, or arranging for surgical intervention if needed.
4. Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe injuries, surgery may be required to repair damaged tissues, remove foreign objects, or reconstruct the eye structure.
5. Prevention of Infection: Eye clinics will take measures to prevent infections, which can be a serious complication of eye injuries. This may involve prescribing antibiotics or providing specific post-operative care instructions.
6. Follow-Up Care: The eye clinic will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
7. Vision Rehabilitation: In cases where vision is affected, the clinic may provide rehabilitation services, such as vision therapy or low vision aids, to help the patient adapt to any changes in vision.
8. Patient Education: The clinic will offer guidance on how to care for the injured eye at home, including any specific instructions for medications, eye drops, or wound care.
9. Referrals for Additional Services: If needed, the eye clinic can refer the patient to other specialists for complementary care, such as a neurologist or a plastic surgeon.
10. Emotional Support: Coping with an eye injury can be emotionally challenging. Eye clinics often provide resources or referrals to support groups or counselling services.

Remember, in case of any eye injury, seeking professional medical attention promptly is crucial for the best possible outcome. If you or someone you know experiences an eye injury, do not delay in seeking care from an eye clinic or the nearest emergency department.