Bonfire Night is one of the highlights of the autumn calendar, with families gathering across Buckinghamshire to enjoy spectacular displays. But fireworks, sparklers and bonfires also cause a significant number of eye injuries every year, many of them to children. With a little care, you can make sure the only thing that leaves a lasting impression is the display itself.
How fireworks injure eyes
Eye injuries around Bonfire Night are usually caused by fireworks misfiring or tipping over, debris and sparks flying from rockets and bonfires, and sparklers held too close to the face. Injuries range from minor burns and scratches to the cornea, through to serious damage that can permanently affect sight. Hot ash and smoke can also leave eyes sore and irritated.
Top safety tips
- Go to an organised display where possible, as they’re run by experienced people and keep spectators at a safe distance.
- Keep well back from fireworks and bonfires, and stay behind any barriers.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit, even if it seems to have failed.
- Wear eye protection if you’re setting off fireworks at home. Safety glasses are inexpensive and effective; your everyday glasses offer some protection but aren’t a substitute.
- Supervise children with sparklers at all times. Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures, so give them to children over five only, hand them over one at a time, hold them at arm’s length, and have a bucket of water ready for used ones.
- Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
- Contact lens wearers may prefer to wear glasses near bonfires, as smoke and ash can irritate the eyes.
First aid for eye injuries
If something goes into the eye or it’s injured:
- Don’t rub the eye or try to remove anything embedded in it.
- For chemical or powder contamination, rinse the eye gently with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
- For a blow or a burn, cover the eye lightly with a clean shield or pad without pressing.
- Seek urgent medical help at A&E, or call 999 for serious injuries.
For minor irritation from smoke or dust that doesn’t settle within a day, or any lingering redness, pain or blurred vision, contact us or your GP for advice. You can read more in our guide to red eye emergencies.
Be ready for darker evenings
If you’ve struggled to see clearly at night recently, it may be time for an eye test before the winter really sets in. Glare, halos and blur in low light are common signs of a changed prescription.
From everyone at Brian D Suttie Opticians, have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night. If you need advice, get in touch or book an appointment at our Chesham practice.