    
  
 |
 |
Fireworks and the Eyes
Fireworks Shouldn't be the Last Thing
Your Child Sees
Every year at this time, eye doctors see injuries to eyes
that are avoidable. Combine crowds and darkness with sparks,
fire and swiftly moving objects, and the chance for injury soars.
But eye injuries can be avoided with a few proper tips.
- Teach your children that eyes are frequently injured because
people are looking at what they are doing. More than one percent
of all emergency room visits are due to eye injuries. Many fireworks
injuries are the result of people peering at what they thought
were dud fireworks.
- Don't ever use fireworks at home. Fireworks displays are
best left to professionals, who are aware of all the safety measures
that must be in place to avoid injuries. Explosives are not playthings.
- If you insist on putting on your own display, prohibit children
from getting near the fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses and read all instructions.
- Set a safe example. Repeat instructions and make sure alcohol
is not involved. Alcohol slows reaction times and clouds judgment.
- In the event of an eye injury, call an ophthalmologist or
visit an emergency room immediately. Until seen by a medical
professional, keep the effected eye closed or patched.
- An ounce of prevention will pay off in a lifetime of good
vision
|
