PHILADELPHIA, June 26 (UPI) -- Philadelphia ophthalmologists say the Fourth of July will again be the busiest time of the year for emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries.
Wills Eye Institute ophthalmologists say fireworks injuries can result in becoming blind or disfigured. Fireworks injuries cause everything from excruciating burns on the cornea to a complete rupture of the eyeball to retinal detachments, eye muscle damage, permanent scarring and traumatic cataracts, the ophthalmologists say.
"The public needs to know that even small sparklers can cause devastating eye injuries and burns," Dr. Julia A. Haller, ophthalmologist-in-chief at the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia.
"When they burn at 2,000 degrees, these innocent looking sparklers or other small fireworks can quickly damage your eyesight and forever change your life."
Haller and her colleagues urge people to keep a safe distance from fireworks -- at least 500 feet away. They also recommend people to never touch unexploded fireworks, but to contact the local police or fire department to dispose of unexploded fireworks.
The institute also suggests wearing appropriate eye protection and to seek medical help immediately if injured from fireworks.
