Fireworks Eye Safety

As July 4th rapidly approaches, it’s important to remember that fireworks can cause serious injury, including to your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends attending a professional firework display instead of buying your own fireworks. In the case of attending a professional display, including the Traverse City, Michigan fireworks display at the Open Space Park on July 4th or the Cherry Festival Finale fireworks on July 7th, the AAO recommends respecting safety barricades and never touching unexploded fireworks.

In case you do happen to be around non-professionals who have purchased fireworks for personal use, remember to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes! Also, be especially careful not to let children handle fireworks.

In the event that you or someone nearby does sustain a firework-related eye injury, here is what the AAO recommends:

• Seek medical attention immediately, the ER can connect you with the local eye doctor on call.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• Do not rinse your eyes.
• Do not apply pressure.
• Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
• Do not apply ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

And finally, here is a helpful YouTube video about firework safety:

Stay safe and happy 4th!