Top five things to tell patients about fireworks

With the Fourth of July approaching, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding everyone that consumer fireworks are not safe, even seemingly harmless sparklers.

Thousands of patients are treated by ophthalmologists each year for fireworks-related injuries, according to an AAO press release. These injuries can range from bruises and cuts to severely damaged eyes, including ruptured eyeballs.

The organization issued the following tips regarding fireworks for clinicians to share with their patients.

1. Some common myths about fireworks are incorrect, including the idea that sparklers are safe. They can burn up to 1800° and are responsible for the most injuries to children aged 5 years and younger.

2. Bystanders and operators are injured by fireworks at the same rate. Therefore, watching them is not safer than lighting them.

3. Sparklers and firecrackers that are marketed to consumers account for 1,400 eye injuries.

4. If a firework fails to light, it is not safe to attempt to pick it up. “Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one,” according to the AAO.

5. The holiday can be celebrated without consumer fireworks. A professional fireworks show is how the AAO advises individuals to celebrate the nation’s birthday.