Dozens Sustain Eye Injuries from New Year's Fireworks
A hospital employee at work
Image: YLE
Eye injuries caused by New Year’s Eve fireworks increased in some areas of Finland in 2008. Each year dozens of people sustain eye injuries due to firecrackers.
Tampere University Hospital reported that six people with eye injuries were brought in for treatment. The number of eye injuries in the Tampere area was higher on average this year than in past years.
At Helsinki University Hospital, nine people were treated for eye injuries. One year ago, six people were brought in.
Tero Kivelä, an ophthalmologist in Helsinki, says he is concerned about the increase in eye injuries. He has called for a campaign directed at young people to use protective eyewear when setting off or watching fireworks.
None of the victims were wearing protective eyewear. Alcohol was not a factor in any of the accidents.
Meanwhile no eye injuries reported to the university hospitals in Turku or Oulu.
On average, 30 people sustain eye injuries in Finland annually due to New Year’s Eve fireworks.
YLE