Keep an eye out for fireworks!

Be careful with the eye area

The eyes and structures near the eye area, such as the eyelids, are particularly fragile and sensitive to impacts, explosions or burns caused by these artefacts. Eye injuries following an accident of this type are very widespread and might be minor or moderate, such as minor burns to the eyelids or erosions on the surface of the eye. Others, however, are serious and lead to significant eye trauma, which are generally “closed”(bruises or impacts) or “open” (when the material hits or goes through the eye directly). In these cases, one or several internal or external ocular structures are often affected, such as the retina, and in the worst case they could lead to mutilation of tissue or bursting of the eyeball.

It is important not to establish a direct relationship between the pain and the severity of the trauma, as some significant injuries might go completely unnoticed because they give no discomfort. Despite the fact that many of these injuries can be successfully treated, seeing an ophthalmologist as a matter of urgency is essential in detecting them and treating them early on, thus minimising or avoiding any after-effects that might jeopardise the eyesight of the patient for life.

Do you really know how to act when handling fireworks? We’ll explain how to prevent eye accidents and the steps to follow in the event of them hitting the eye or nearby areas. Our ophthalmologists advise taking the following measures when handling this type of material, either to apply yourself or to bear in mind with regards to kids:

Make sure the products you buy are suitable for each age. Once you have purchased the fireworks, use them correctly. Do not throw fireworks into the air, or place them in bottles or other containers. Do not approach them to look at the wick if the firework does not seem to be lit and remain at a sensible safety distance. Wear protective goggles. If you suffer an injury to your eyes, apply pressure to the affected area without compressing the eyeball. In the event of an eye injury, clean gently with water and cover the eye with gauze. Visit the emergency services so that a specialist can examine the ocular structures, determine the severity of the injury, and provide the right treatment.

1. Purchase fireworks in authorised places with manufacturing guarantees or where they can advise you on the selection of products.
2. Make sure the products you buy are suitable for each age.
3. Once you have purchased the fireworks, use them correctly.
4. Avoid making home-made fireworks
5. Do not throw fireworks into the air, or place them in bottles or other containers.
6. Do not approach them to look at the wick if the firework does not seem to be lit and remain at a sensible safety distance.
7. Wear protective goggles.
8. If you suffer an injury to your eyes, apply pressure to the affected area without compressing the eyeball.
9. If you suffer an injury to your eyes, apply pressure to the affected area without compressing the eyeball.
10. In the event of an eye injury, clean gently with water and cover the eye with gauze.
11. Visit the emergency services so that a specialist can examine the ocular structures, determine the severity of the injury, and provide the right treatment.