College of Optometrists

5 November 2010 Return to news listings

Eye experts advise on how to stay safe this Bonfire night.

According to a research¹, every year ten people lose their sight due to fireworks and over half of all firework related injuries are suffered by children².  With eighty-one per cent of the injuries occurring in October and November³, eye experts at the College of Optometrists are highlighting the need to take safety precautions when using and watching fireworks this bonfire season.

Whilst those handling the fireworks are most at risk from injury, the latest study¹ reveals that bystanders in the vicinity of a firework being launched are as likely to be harmed as the person involved in lighting it, and half of all injuries occur at private parties.  Approximately 300 eye injuries are caused each year by fireworks⁴, many of which could have been prevented if the correct safety precautions had been taken.

Dr Cindy Tromans, president of the College of Optometrists said: “Bonfire night is a fantastic, fun event, but it’s important to be as safe as possible. While the number of firework related eye injuries may seem relatively small, they occur year in and year out demonstrating that there is a serious need to make people aware of the dangers when handling and watching fireworks. So whether you’re having your own fireworks in the garden or are heading to a local display, make sure you follow the Firework Code to ensure a safe and enjoyable bonfire night.” 

Top tips to help protect your eyes and enjoy a safe firework display

• Wear protective eye wear – normal spectacles will not protect your eyes against high velocity injuries.  Wear polycarbonate lenses, this is particularly important for those lighting fireworks.
• Buy fireworks that meet British Standards – ensure you buy your fireworks from a reputable retailer and that they confirm to British Standards, these will be marked BS 7114 on the box
• Stand back – light your fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper and then stand well back
• Wear gloves when using sparklers – often thought to be one of the safest fireworks, sparklers actually burn to temperatures five times hotter than cooking oil. You should not give sparklers to children under the age of five
• Stay clear of fireworks that have been lit – even if the firework hasn’t gone off, keep your distance as it could still explode
• Do not consume alcohol if setting off fireworks – it is important to keep your wits about you so steer clear of the alcohol to ensure a safe display
• Keep fireworks in a closed box away from where you are launching the live fireworks
• Keep pets indoors  - Animals can become distressed at loud noises so for their own safety, keep any pets inside the house
• Supervise children at all times – with over half of firework injuries being suffered by children,  make sure you keep an eye on little ones during any displays

Ends

Notes to editors:

For more information and interviews please contact:
3 Monkeys Communications
Edie Barton-Harvey/Zoe Belhomme
020 7009 3100
edith@3-monkeys.co.uk /zoe.belhomme@3-monkeys.co.uk

1 A British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit study on serious ocular injuries from fireworks in the UK, FA Knox, WC Chan, AJ Jackson, B Foot, JA Sharkey and FG McGinnity (25 October 2006)
2 Firework Injuries in Great Britain 2005
http://www.saferfireworks.com/statistics/gb/stats_2005.htm
3 A British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit study on serious ocular injuries from fireworks in the UK, FA Knox, WC Chan, AJ Jackson, B Foot, JA Sharkey and FG McGinnity (25 October 2006)
4 Firework Injuries in Great Britain 2005 (4 week period in October-November)
http://www.saferfireworks.com/statistics/gb/stats_2005.htm

About The College of Optometrists

1. The College of Optometrists is the Professional, Scientific and Examining Body for Optometry in the UK, working for the public benefit.  Supporting its Members in all aspects of professional development, the College provides pre-registration training and assessment, continuous professional development opportunities, and advice and guidance on professional conduct and standards, enabling our Members to serve their patients well and contribute to the wellbeing of local communities.
2. Previously known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists are trained professionals who examine eyes, test sight, give advice on visual problems, and prescribe and dispense spectacles or contact lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate. Optometrists are trained to recognise eye diseases, referring such cases as necessary, and can also use or supply various eye drugs.
3. Optometrists study at university for at least three years and participate in a period of training and supervision, called the pre-registration period, before qualifying. Once qualified, they have the opportunity to develop their interests in specialist aspects of practice such as contact lenses, treating eye diseases, low vision, children’s vision and sports vision.
4. All optometrists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council, the profession’s regulatory body, and are listed in the Opticians Register. The letters FCOptom or MCOptom after an optometrist’s name means that he or she is a fellow or member of the College of Optometrists.
5. There are currently over 11,000 registered optometrists in the UK.