Ask the Eye Care Specialist

In order to answer some of your general questions about eye care, please send your questions to “Ask the Eye Care Specialist,” c/o Education Update, 276 Fifth Ave., Suite 1005, New York, NY, 10001 or email: ednews1@aol.com. We will try to answer as many questions as possible in this column. Specific diagnoses of eye diseases or conditions cannot be made. The answers given in this column must not take the place of your doctor’s advice.

Fourth of July Fireworks Safety for Eyes

by Betsy van Die and
Lori Brenig, MPH

Fourth of July celebrations can be a magic time for kids. Yet that magic can be shattered if you don’t protect your eyes from danger. Please consider the following fireworks facts:

Backyard fireworks are illegal in 16 states for a simple reason: they’re dangerous for anyone but the professionals. Municipally sponsored displays are much safer, and, generally more spectacular. This is an important opportunity for adults to teach a sense of responsibility to children by having them steer clear of the foolhardy practice of playing with fireworks.

An estimated 5,700 injuries were treated last year in hospital emergency rooms during the one month period surrounding the Fourth of July, 1,000 of which were eye-related. An astounding 45 percent of total injuries were accounted for by children under the age of 15. In 1999, 16 people lost their lives to firework accidents.

It isn’t just bottle rockets and large fireworks that cause injuries. Sparklers, which are sold to kids and adults virtually everywhere in the months preceding the Fourth of July, can heat up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. They are the third highest cause of fireworks injuries necessitating trips to the emergency room. One victim was a five-year-old boy who was killed by burns when sparklers ignited in his pocket.

To receive a free copy of “Safe Summer Celebrations,” call 1-800-331-2020. The booklet discusses the dangers of fireworks and offers safe alternatives. #

Betsy Van Die is part of Prevent Blindness America and Lori Brenig is Program Director, Prevent Blindness New York, which is dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight through education, services and research. Visit website at www.preventblindness.org/ny for more information.

Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
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