Follow 'Sparkler code' warns Eye Care Trust

The Eye Care Trust has issued a firework safety alert in a bid to prevent avoidable sight loss on bonfire night, November 5, encouraging people to follow its 'Sparkler code'.

The Trust stated that every year 10 people in the UK lose their sight and 300 people suffer serious eye injuries as a result of accidents caused by fireworks. Three quarters of these serious ocular traumas are sustained by adults and 45 per cent occur at private parties.

While rockets are the most dangerous, accounting for 36 per cent of all serious eye injuries, the sparkler is high on the dangerous firework list, burning at temperatures of up to 2,000°C. Trust chairman Dharmesh Patel said: 'Eye damage caused by fireworks is so often avoidable and can lead to permanently reduced vision or even blindness, so this year the Trust is urging people to follow the Sparkler safety code.'