In the News

Posted: 02/20/09

MOST VICTIMS OF INJURIES FROM FIREWORKS ARE CHILDREN

by: Julie Dappen

Death and blindness. Jim, 14, didn’t think he was risking either when he and his friends spent an evening setting off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Then a bottle rocket went off course and straight at Jim’s eye. He survived, but suffered permanent vision loss. He was lucky. Some people die.
 
Minnesota’s ophthalmologists, Eye M.D.’s, recommend Minnesotans leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one or more of the many Minnesota Independence Day events which include spectacular firework shows.
 
“Attending a show is much safer than children or adults using fireworks,” said Scott Uttley, M.D., president of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology (MAO). “Each year in the U.S. more than 9,000 people are injured by fireworks, and on average, seven people die,” Of the people injured, nearly 30 percent, or 1,350 people, experience eye injuries and more than 340 people suffer permanent vision loss or blindness.”
 
The typical victim is young. Children 15 years old or younger account for about 50 percent of eye injuries from fireworks in the United States. For children under five, seemingly harmless sparklers are the source of one-third of all injuries.
 
"Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and that intensity can burn not only the skin but also the eyes. The beautiful eyes of children suffer corneal burns from sparklers, which can lead to corneal scars and permanent vision loss,” said Uttley.
 
For a safe and healthy celebration on Independence Day, Minnesota ophthalmologists encourage Minnesotans to observe the following:

• Never allow children to 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.
• Respect safety barriers that pyrotechnicians set up to do their jobs safely.
• Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.
• Follow directives given by ushers at events or by public safety personnel.
• If you find the remains of unexploded fireworks, do not touch them.  Immediately contact your local fire or police department.

If you sustain an eye injury from a firework, seek medical help immediately.

About the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology
The Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology (MAO) is the state association of eye physicians and surgeons (Eye M.D.’s) with more than 280 members statewide. The members of the MAO are committed to preserving the sight of Minnesotans through regular screening exams and by providing care for all eye diseases and injuries. The MAO encourages consumers to be aware of the different education levels of opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.’s) are the only eye care specialists who are graduates of medical school. Eye M.D.’s treat eye diseases and injuries, perform eye surgery and are the only health providers who can advise patients on all vision-related issues.

Annual injury rates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
 

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