Soon, people across the country and right here in North Central Florida will gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day. And as much fun as it may be to revel in the “rockets’ red glare” on the 4th of July, it’s important to remember that fireworks can indeed be dangerous. In fact, nearly 10,000 fireworks-related emergency room visits happen at this time each year, with eye injuries accounting for 20-31% of all fireworks injuries.

Protecting your eyes this 4th of July is essential and requires you to make a few smart choices.

Wear Eye Protection

Adults and kids alike should wear eye protection, even if they’re only lighting sparklers. Rather than an impact injury, sparklers burn at over 2,000 degrees Fehrenheit and those searing sparks and embers are responsible for 700 injuries annually.

Basic eye protection can help to prevent these sparks from hitting the eye and causing lasting injuries.

Safety glasses that have an ANSI Z87.1 safety standard will suffice. You can purchase these glasses on Amazon or at your local hardware store.

Stay a Safe Distance from the Show

If you’re watching a fireworks show, be sure to stay at least 500 feet away from the action. Safety barriers are in place to help keep all attendees safe, so be sure to respect them when available.

In the event that you find a firework on the ground that has not exploded, do not pick it up. Unexploded fireworks may still explode, even if they do not appear to be lit, and the last thing you want is to damage your eyesight or body by examining a firework that then explodes in your face.

Adult Supervision

Kids and teens require supervision by adults. If you plan on lighting fireworks off at your home, be sure to:

• Designate an adult to watch non-adults
• Keep water and ice nearby just in case of burns
• Call emergency services if an accident does occur

Avoid Any “Horseplay”

The 4th of July is a time of celebration, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if people run in front of fireworks or are otherwise not paying attention. Be sure to have a designated and cordoned off area where fireworks are being lit, making it clear to all guests that no one is allowed to run into or play in that area.

No Container Explosions

Placing fireworks in a plastic, metal or glass container is always risky, depending on the power of the explosive. If the container breaks and shatters, shards and shrapnel can cause significant injuries. Always avoid placing explosives in containers that may cause injuries when they explode.

Sunglasses

Fireworks aren’t the only potential eye danger during your 4th of July celebration. If you’ll be out in the sun during the day, shield your eyes from potentially damaging sunlight. Wear sunglasses with UV400 rating, indicating they’re capable of filtering out up to 99% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat is another great way to keep your eyes safe from the sun.

These simple precautions can help protect you and those around you and allow you to fully enjoy your 4th of July.

At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we treat patients with a variety of eye conditions, from traumatic eye injuries to specialized surgical needs to standard prescription eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions.

For all your vision needs, contact the eye experts at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300.