SUNDAY, June 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- As communities across America enjoy fireworks this July Fourth, folks should keep eye safety in mind.
The number of eye injuries caused by fireworks nearly doubled from 2016 to 2017, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is urging Americans to take proper safety precautions this holiday.
Fireworks-related eye injuries rose from 700 in 2016 to 1,200 in 2017, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those injuries included ruptured eyeballs and damaged corneas and retinas.
"An average of 280 people a day will go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries during the two weeks before and after July Fourth," said Dr. Dianna Seldomridge, clinical spokesperson for the AAO.
"Don't be a part of these alarming statistics. Learn how to protect yourself and your children," she urged in an AAO news release.
Most injuries are caused by legal fireworks that parents buy for their children, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles, according to the AAO.
The academy offered the following fireworks safety tips.
The safest way to see fireworks is to watch a professional show.
If a fireworks-related eye injury occurs, the AAO outlines what to do: Seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub the eye. Rubbing may make the injury worse. Do not attempt to rinse the eye. Do not apply pressure to the eye. Do not remove objects from the eye. Do not apply ointments or take pain medications before seeking medical help.
More information
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has more on fireworks safety.