This 4th of July weekend, there will be plenty of beautiful fireworks displays to watch, but ACSH advisor and ophthalmologist Dr. Emil Chynn cautions us to literally keep an eye out for fireworks hazards.
This 4th of July weekend, there will be plenty of beautiful fireworks displays to watch, but ACSH advisor and ophthalmologist Dr. Emil Chynn cautions us to literally keep an eye out for fireworks hazards.
Encourage your children to attend only professional fireworks displays, rather than using fireworks themselves. If your child must use fireworks, while nothing can eliminate the danger, the following guidelines (adapted from the American Academy of Ophthalmology) can help decrease risk:
Use a specially designed stick, or "punk," rather than a match to light fireworks.
Have a bucket of water ready.
Never give a firecracker to a child.
Do not light firecrackers bigger than your pinkie or light them indoors, and avoid relighting duds.
In case of eye injury, do not touch the eye. Tape a clean paper cup over the eye to prevent contamination or further injury. Immediately seek medical attention — preferably from an ophthalmologist.
Use a specially designed stick, or "punk," rather than a match to light fireworks.
Have a bucket of water ready.
Never give a firecracker to a child.
Do not light firecrackers bigger than your pinkie or light them indoors, and avoid relighting duds.
In case of eye injury, do not touch the eye. Tape a clean paper cup over the eye to prevent contamination or further injury. Immediately seek medical attention — preferably from an ophthalmologist.
