Bonfire Night Warning: Fireworks could damage your eyesight

Eyecare Trust offers an insight on how to protect your eyes from fireworks

13:43 01 November 2012

According to data gathered by Eyecare Trust, there are at least 10 people in the UK who were left blind, and about 300 others who suffer from serious eye injuries, because of accidents related to fireworks.

 

Of those who are affected, the company says that 73per cent are adults and that 45per cent of the accidents occur in private parties. 

 

At this time of the year when fireworks are everywhere, Eyecare Trust warns about the dangers that fireworks can bring.

 

They have created an Eyecare Trust’s SPARKLER code for a safe and injury free Bonfire night. Their instructions include shielding the eyes, plunging sparklers into a bucket of cold water as they have burnt out, reading instructions and following them carefully. 

 

Kelly Plahay, Optometrist and Acting Chairman of The Eyecare Trust says: “Eye damage caused by fireworks is so often avoidable and can lead to permanently reduced vision or even blindness, so this year the Trust is urging people to take extra care of their eyes and follow the SPARKLER safety code.”