Protect Your Eyes and Ears During Fireworks Season

With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, it’s important to have fun, but also remember to stay protected. Fireworks can be a visual pleasure, but they do often present dangers to the eyes and ears. Most fireworks-related injuries occur during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July.

In the most severe cases, fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions, and retinal detachment – all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.

Children can especially be at risk for firework-related injuries. According to Prevent Blindness, an organization founded to prevent blindness and preserve sight, these are six steps that can help save your child’s sight:

• Do not rub the eyes
• Do not attempt to rinse out the eyes
• Do not apply pressure to the eye itself
• Do not stop for medicine
• Do not apply ointment

The Eye Institute (TEI) offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment services including emergency care for eye injuries that require immediate attention. Current patients can report to TEI’s Emergency Service during regular business hours. If emergency care is required after hours, patients who have had an exam at TEI in the past three years can call 215.276.3035.

When it comes to fireworks, hearing damage can occur when a noise at a specific decibel is heard for too long. For example, 80-90 decibels can be heard for eight hours without causing damage, while 100 decibels can only be heard for two hours. Fireworks range from 150 to 175 decibels, according to Boys Town National Research Hospital. This can cause instant hearing damage.

There are a few steps to keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.

• Keep your distance
• Wear ear plugs
• Be careful around children
• Know the warning signs

If you suspect some degree of hearing loss, contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI).  Expert audiologists will assess your hearing and make recommendations on how to address your hearing needs. For more information on PEI’s services or to make an appointment, call 215.780.3180.

Fireworks are incredibly popular for the Fourth of July. It’s essential to remember that for some people, fireworks can be triggering and to be respectful to those individuals. For those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, loud sounds and bright lights can cause stress and discomfort.