Protecting Your Eyes During Firework Safety Month This June with Tips from our Leawood Optometrist

Firework Safety Month is something that we at Vision Professionals of Leawood take very seriously every year. This June, it is essential for other optometry experts and us to teach people how to avoid severe eye damage when enjoying fireworks this season. 

Why Firework Safety Month is So Important 

Every year, over 10,000 people get seriously injured when watching or lighting off fireworks. These injuries are most often serious burns but can also be vision damage. That's because fireworks are very bright and may burn your retinas or permanently damage your vision.

Tips on Keeping Your Eyes Safe From Fireworks 

We have compiled a few of these common safety tips to ensure that you are protected this fireworks season.

• Wear Protective Gear – When lighting fireworks, make sure that you wear protective gear to keep sparks from landing in your eyes. It also helps protect you from the harsh light caused by fireworks. 
• Look Away When Others Light Fireworks – Turn away when friends or others light fireworks and make sure you stand at least 10-20 feet away. You can then turn back after the firework is lit. 
• Never Use Professional-Grade Fireworks – Lighting professional-grade fireworks on your own is a hazardous activity and one that can cause severe eye damage. Even worse, it can cause you to get severely burned if done improperly.
• Visit Your Optometrist – Before you start lighting or watching fireworks, visit an optometrist to get protective prescription eyewear. If you are injured, seek help immediately. Schedule follow-ups with your optometrist to make sure any eye injuries are healing properly.

Getting the Care You Need with our Leawood Optometrist

Call our Leawood optometrist at 913-239-9446 to learn more about fireworks safety this June. At Vision Professionals of Leawood, we provide patients the eye care help they need to be safe and healthy during this fireworks season.