Fourth of July is full of barbecues, family, fun, friends and of course fireworks. Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand. Many people plan for all of the festivities. Your Indianapolis Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates wants you to have a fun and safe 4th of July without injuries. Besides fun plans. make a plan for unexpected injuries. Did you know on average, 200 people go to the emergency room every day in July. Around 17% of these emergency visits are due to eye injuries.

Fireworks can cause two types of injuries: traumatic and chemical burns. Traumatic injuries occur from foreign objects/materials getting into the eyes. Chemical burns occur when your eyes are scorched and this may cause vision loss and even blindness. Whichever occurs, the first few minutes are critical in how the incident is handled and if the damage is short or long term.

If you or someone you know has a traumatic firework eye-related injury:

• Seek medical attention promptly.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Do not rinse your eyes.
• Do not apply pressure to your eyes or the area.
• Do not try and remove any foreign materials or objects that are in or around your eyes. (this may cause further damage)
• Do not apply ointments.
• Do not take any blood-thinning pain medications (examples are: aspirin or ibuprofen).
• After seeking medical attention, visit your Indianapolis Eye Doctor for an eye exam.

If someone has a chemical burn injury:

• Seek medical attention promptly.
• Rinse your eyes with purified water or use tap water if this is the option that is available quickest

It is very important to follow the tips above to avoid permanent damage to your eyes. The way you react to an accident can later cause harm or damage.  Make sure you always protect yourself when you are heading out to the festivities of the weekend. Always consult with your eye doctor if you have an eye injury. This is their specialty and they will be able to help prevent any further damage to your eyes.

Here are a few tips from your Indianapolis Eye Doctor on how to have a safe Fourth of July weekend: 

• Respect the safety barriers
• Back up to a safe spot and distance, once the fireworks are ignited
• View fireworks from at least 500 feet away
• NEVER allow children to ignite fireworks
• Always have an adult present when fireworks are around
• Do not place any body part over fireworks
• Do not point or aim fireworks at another person or thing
• Light fireworks one at a time
• If the firework does not light the first time, do not try to light again
• Do not pick up fireworks off of the ground, soak them before throwing away
• If you do have fireworks that did not light, set them aside and later soak them in water before throwing them away

Contact Your Indianapolis Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates for more 4th of July Safety Tips:

Fourth of July should be filled with memories and fun, therefore safety should be a number one priority. If everyone is prepared and aware of the accidents that can occur, we all should be safe. It is best to talk to your children and family about the dangers of fireworks before you attend all of the festivities. The best way to protect yourself and the people around you is to avoid shooting off fireworks at home, leave this to the experts. If you do however, use safety goggles and do not allow the children to ignite these. Although these seem like simple rules, if they are not followed everyone is at risk. Be safe and enjoy your Fourth of July!