Although we all love to celebrate the 4^th of July, it is important to take action to avoid blindness from accidents involving the use of fireworks.

I will never forget the sorrow I felt for the family of a beautiful 2-year old girl who lost her vision from an accident many years ago on the 4^th of July. Her family had earnestly wanted to share the joy of the holiday with their toddler. They purchased some bottle rockets and placed the child far away from where her father lit the rockets. Unfortunately, one of the rockets fell to the side and spun around and around the family. It finally exploded in front the young child before her parents could offer protection. The particles from the casing fractured from the explosion and flew in all directions. Several of the red plastic chards struck the child in her eyes. I was called on to care for her in the emergency room. As the family watched fearfully, I examined the child and determined that she needed to be treated in the operating room as an emergency. I operated for many hours, removing pieces of shrapnel from both eyes. Eventually, I was able to suture the eye lacerations closed. Several additional surgeries were required. Although I was able to save her from total loss of vision, she was legally blind. Permanently. For the rest of her life.

This sad experience prompts me to write this blog prior to the festivities on the 4^th of July. To minimize the risk of injury, I ask that parents take their families to see professional displays of fireworks rather than putting on their own shows. Even sparklers can cause severe skin and eye burns due to the high temperatures at which they burn. If you suffer an injury, please report without delay to the emergency room of your local hospital for care.

Please keep the family celebrations fun and safe this year.

By Scott E. Pautler, MD

See also:

http://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/teen-nearly-loses-vision-to-fireworks

http://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-fireworks-eye-safety