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Sunday, July 02, 2006

Keep It A Happy July 4th!
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The upcoming 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for eye surgeons and others who treat victims of accidental trauma.

Fireworks are best enjoyed at a community display, not in your backyard. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has launched a vigorous campaign to discourage the purchase and use of fireworks by amateurs - folks like you, me, and our children.

Here are some powerful numbers about fireworks injuries:
  • There are approximately 8,500 fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States. Of these, about 2,000 are eye injuries.
  • One-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness.
  • Almost one in 20 victims lose all useful vision or require the removal of the injured eye.
  • 25% of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks happen to bystanders.
  • 75% of all fireworks-related eye injuries happen to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.

Did you know that the most dangerous kind of firework is the bottle rocket? Bottle rockets fly erratically, often causing bystander injuries. The bottles and cans used to launch bottle rockets often explode, showering fragments of glass and metal.


Sparklers account for three-quarters of all firework injuries in preschoolers. Young children find these sticks of fire - burning as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit - irresistible to touch.


Eye safety experts make these suggestions:
  • Never let children play with fireworks of any kind, including sparklers.
  • View public fireworks displays from at least 500 feet away or up to a quarter of a mile.
  • Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians to do their jobs safely.
  • Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
  • If you find unexploded fireworks, don't touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police department.

Fireworks injuries are so devastating yet so preventable. Make it a safe Independence Day for all!

(Portions excerpted from American Academy of Ophthalmology Fact Sheet)

Related Topics: Poll: Do you have a fire extinguisher?, Summer BBQ

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 9:00 AM

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