The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and kids are getting excited about fireworks. Although fireworks lighting up the night sky are a spectacular sight, parents are encouraged to remember that they are not toys. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), fireworks cause more than 9,000 injuries a year in the United States. Many of them are children who suffer burns and eye injuries.

Fireworks can cause serious burns, permanent eye damage and blindness. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately “250 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th holiday.” The AAO reports that nearly half of people injured by fireworks are bystanders. The AAO also recommends attending a professional public fireworks shows instead of purchasing fireworks for home use.

• Respect safety barriers at fireworks shows and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
• Do not touch unexploded fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help.

For individuals who decide to light fireworks because it is legal in areas they reside, the AAO recommends the following safety tips to prevent eye injuries:

• Never let young children play with fireworks of any type, even sparklers.
• People who handle fireworks should always wear protective eyewear that meets the parameters set by the American National Standards Institute and ensure that all bystanders are also wearing eye protection.
• Leave the lighting of professional-grade fireworks to trained pyrotechnicians.

For additional safety tips, visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety website.

Carmichael’s Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana can fill medications prescribed by physicians and specialists to treat eye injuries and skin conditions. Our compounding pharmacy in Crowley also prepares medicines such as creams, gels, dermatological treatments and pain management medications.