The Fourth of July weekend is here, and it’s time to celebrate with friends, family, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. While firework displays are fun and exciting, it’s important to practice eye safety when lighting and enjoying the spectacle. We’ve put together our top five eye safety tips so you can participate while keeping your eyes healthy.
Tip #1: Place
If you’re going to be enjoying fireworks, the best place to do so is when they’re staged by professionals. That could be your city’s display or anywhere else you’re not directly lighting them. New York City has one of the best displays in the country, and because they’re staged over the East River, the risk for injury is very low.
Tip #2: Surface
Ensure when setting off your own display that you do so on a smooth, flat surface. Any tilt or uneven ground will make the firework’s trajectory unpredictable, which can result in injury.
Tip #3: Platform
When firing bottle rockets, do so only out of a plastic bottle that has been attached securely to the ground. If the bottle rocket fails to launch, it could explode inside the bottle, which not only creates a mess, but can be extremely dangerous to unprotected eyes.
Tip #4: Distance
For projectile fireworks, ensure you’re a minimum of twenty feet away from the launch. The more distance, the better. Many fireworks are unstable and cheaply made, and to avoid injury, it’s best to stay as far away as possible.
Tip #5: Brand
Purchase and set off only fireworks that are clearly branded and contain instructions. It may seem obvious, but only those that are sold from legitimate retailers should be enjoyed. Only use fireworks approved by your city or township and remain in compliance of all rules and regulations. This is not only for your own safety, but for the safety of those around you.
For more eyewear tips, take a look at our blog, or book a free consultation for LASIK today.
