Summer is finally here, which means many families are venturing outside and enjoying beautiful fireworks. However, before you create a display of your own at home, you need to utilize some preventative vision care methods. To keep your eyes safe this season, follow the tips listed below. 

3 Vision Care Tips When Handling Fireworks

1. Wear Goggles

Whenever you’re dealing with explosives or lit objects, you need to protect your eyes. Fireworks are no different. When handling the sparklers, don safety goggles to protect yourself against the brightness and any sparks that may fly. 

2. Maintain Distance

Never let fireworks get too close to your face. When lighting them, hold the sparklers at arms’ length. Once they are lit, you and your family should keep a safe distance to avoid getting hit with sparks or falling debris—for individual sparklers, this should be at least 25 feet. If you’re viewing fireworks at a public display, you should stand at least 500 feet away. 

3. Don’t Pick Anything Up 

In the event one of your sparklers seems to malfunction or doesn’t go off after you try to light it, don’t assume it’s safe to pick it up and handle it. Fireworks are notorious for being finicky, and there’s always the possibility of it having a delayed response. Instead of touching the unexploded sparkler, throw water on the dud immediately. Then, call your local fire department to come help safely dispose of it.

Even with proper precaution, accidents can happen. If you or a loved one sustain an injury while using fireworks this summer, the professionals at Abel Klecker & Robbins in Lexington, KY, are here to help. As a locally owned practice with more than 60 years of experience, you can trust these optometrists will quickly and safely address all your vision care needs to ensure optimum optic health. Visit their website to learn more about the services they offer, and call (859) 269-6921 to schedule an appointment today.