Keep safety in sight this Fourth of July

The sights and sounds of a fireworks display are a traditional part of a Fourth of July celebration. Unfortunately, fireworks can also lead to another annual tradition- a trip to the emergency room.

According to Dr. Marty Schneider, therapeutic optometrist, approximately 6,400 Americans are treated annually for fireworksrelated injuries during the Fourth of July holiday period. And of those, almost 1,300 are treated for injuries to the eye.

"Last year we treated two corneal abrasion caused by sparklers on the fourth of July," Schneider said. "Every year, as many as 400 Americans lose sight in one or both eyes due to fireworks. We strongly encourage people to attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators."

Dr. Schneider also had these eyeopening facts about fireworksrelated eye injuries. Children under 16 account for 60 percent of fireworks-related eye injuries. Almost half of fireworks injuries happen to bystanders. The fireworks that cause the most injuries are bottle rockets, firecrackers and sparklers.

Schneider owns and practices at Camarillo Vision Center at 2460 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. B in Camarillo. Reach him directly at (805) 987-2400.