FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2023

Contact: Kat Canfield

kat@coremessage.com

386-316-9668

What You Don’t Know About Fireworks Can Cost You Your Sight
Fireworks injure thousands every year, mostly children and bystanders

Tallahassee, Fla. (June 7, 2023) — Every year, people suffer serious eye injuries from backyard fireworks displays. Most of the victims are children and bystanders located nowhere near the pyrotechnics. As Independence Day nears, the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are working to dispel the myths that put people at risk of blindness.

“When it comes to your eyes, prevention is one of the best tools we have to stay safe, and it’s critical when it comes to the risks that firework use carries,” said Megan Scott Carlton, MD, physician/owner of Palm Valley Eye Care & Surgeons and Florida Society of Ophthalmology Board Member. “Nearly 400 people lose sight each year from firework sustained injuries, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Practicing safe handling, watching with the proper safety equipment, and ensuring that children have safe alternatives to fireworks can help keep your loved ones safe this celebratory summer.”

“Most people just don’t see the harm in sparklers, spinners, firecrackers, and bottle rockets, and they learn too late the necessity of wearing eye protection,” said Dianna Seldomridge, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “It’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals. But if you choose to celebrate with fireworks, wear safety goggles and take all the necessary precautions to keep your family safe.”

• Myth #1: Consumer fireworks are harmless. Fireworks can cause blinding eye injuries such as chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions, bleeding in the eye or retinal detachment. If you live in a state where consumer fireworks are legal and have plans to use them, wear eye protection.
• Myth #2: Sparklers are made for kids and aren’t dangerous. Don’t let their small size fool you; sparklers burn at more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to melt certain metals.
• Myth #3: Duds are harmless. Malfunctioning fireworks should be handled with caution. Do not try to relight faulty fireworks. Instead, soak it in water and throw the dud away. Never look down the barrel of a dud.
• Myth #4: Only those handling the fireworks are at risk. The majority of firework-related eye injuries happen to bystanders. Watch fireworks from at least 500 feet away and make sure everyone is wearing eye protection.

If an eye injury does occur, seek medical attention right away.

For more tips and information, visit www.eyesmart.org.

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About the Florida Society of Ophthalmology
The Florida Society of Ophthalmology is the state’s leading advocate for providing Floridians the highest standard of eye care. The FSO’s mission is to promote and protect the medical specialty of ophthalmology through active participation in legislative advocacy and providing continuing medical education and responsible information to its members, physicians and the citizens of Florida. Please visit mdeye.org for more information.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.