Eye injuries from fireworks in Western Sweden

Abstract

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the extent and type of, as well as the circumstances connected with, ocular injuries caused by pyrotechnical products in the Western region of Sweden (1 750 000 inhabitants). Methods: A three-year prospective observational study was carried out to register, interview and follow-up all patients with ocular injuries caused by fireworks. The patients were reported by all ophthalmologists in the area. Results: 52 patients (72 injured eyes) were reported, 49 males and 3 females. 39 of 52 (75%) were younger than 18 years. 15 patients (including the three females) were bystanders. The injuries ranged from conjunctivitis to complete loss of the eye. The pyrotechnical device had been manipulated or misused in 19 (37%) of the 52 accidents. Seriousness of injury could not be correlated to type of device or to whether the injured person was active in launching the firework or not. 20 (38%) of the 52 patients had permanent damage to the eye. Conclusion: Ocular injuries from fireworks remain a problem. Preventive measures such as protective glasses and legislation are being discussed.

Ocular injuries from fireworks: the 11-year experience of a US level I trauma center

“…1,8,18,26 Similar international studies have addressed these issues, but the regulation of specific firework devices outside the United States is variable, making extrapolation of the data to the US population difficult. 5,6,8,9,11,12,27 Most of the ocular injuries in this study occurred within 48 h of 4 July (US Independence Day) and New Year's Eve, together accounting for 64% of all ocular injuries over 11 years. Eye trauma occurred in 31% of the patients with general firework trauma, which is slightly higher than the previously reported rate of 17-22%.…”

“…1,4 Not surprisingly, ophthalmologists are frequently involved in the care of these patients because of the high rates of ocular injury. [5][6][7][8]12,13,18,25 This study represents one of the most comprehensive data sets to date describing ocular injuries from fireworks in the United States, and serves to update findings last published over 10 years ago in this country. 8,18,26 Previous studies have focused on the incidence of ocular trauma from fireworks in the United States, but have neglected reporting of outcomes, morbidity, and extent of vision loss.…”

“…23 Despite their legality, they remain extremely dangerous and are frequently associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. 1,[4][5][6][7]11,12,24 The most commonly injured body parts are hands, eyes, head, and face. 1,4 Not surprisingly, ophthalmologists are frequently involved in the care of these patients because of the high rates of ocular injury.…”

“…1 Firework-related ocular trauma is particularly devastating because the majority of these injuries occur in young adults and often result in lifelong disability secondary to severe vision loss. [5][6][7][8][9] Given the substantial economic costs to society and their preventable nature, firework-related ocular injuries are a serious public health concern. [4][5][6]10 Current precise data regarding the types of injuries and outcomes of patients affected by eye injuries from fireworks are lacking in the United States, but has been reported in other countries.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] Given the substantial economic costs to society and their preventable nature, firework-related ocular injuries are a serious public health concern. [4][5][6]10 Current precise data regarding the types of injuries and outcomes of patients affected by eye injuries from fireworks are lacking in the United States, but has been reported in other countries. 2,[5][6][7][8][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The purpose of this study is to better characterize the clinical features, outcomes, and management patterns of ocular trauma from fireworks in the United States through the creation of the most comprehensive data set published to date.…”