Each Fourth of July, thousands of people are injured from using consumer fireworks. One-fourth of fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

June is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month and ophthalmologists want to remind consumers to leave fireworks to professionals. Children are reportedly the most common victims of fireworks accidents, with those 15 years old or younger account for half of all fireworks eye injuries in the US. For children under the age of 5, seemingly innocent sparklers account for one-third of all fireworks injuries. Sparklers can burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause a third-degree burn.

For a safe and healthy Independence Day celebration, the Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology urges observance of the following tips:

  • Never let children play with fireworks of any type.
  • View fireworks from a safe distance — at least 500 feet away, or up to a quarter of a mile for best viewing.
  • Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
  • If you find unexploded fireworks remains, do not touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police departments.
  • If you get an eye injury from fireworks, seek medical help immediately.

For more tips, visit www.GetEyeSmart.org.

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