EYES on the Ooohs and Aaahs

There’s something magical about standing in a field, clutching a sparkler, wondering why you didn’t bring a thicker coat and pretending that your hot chocolate is still hot. Bonfire Night in St Albans is nearly here – and whether you’re heading to Verulamium Park for the big charity display on Saturday 8 November, cheering on Redbourn’s rockets, or watching fireworks from a soggy back garden, the golden rule is simple: look after your eyes while you’re looking at the sky.

We know, we know – we sound like the responsible ones at the party (which, to be honest, isn’t really Jez’s true vibe, but we all have to do grown-up every now and again). But every year, A&E departments see people with avoidable eye injuries from fireworks, stray embers, or flying bits of sparklers. So before you head out, here’s our mix of practical advice and mildly bossy humour (us???) to keep your eyes safe and happy.

1. Keep a sensible distance.
If you can feel the heat from the bonfire on your face, you’re too close. Sparks and smoke can irritate your eyes faster than you can say “ooh, pretty colours.” Step back, enjoy the view – your retinas will thank you.

2. Specs beat contacts.
If you wear contact lenses, consider swapping to your glasses for the evening. They’ll help shield your eyes from smoke, wind, and any enthusiastic child waving a sparkler a little too close for comfort.

3. Smoke gets in your eyes – but it doesn’t have to.
If the wind changes direction, turn your back to the bonfire. Tears may be poetic in a fireworks finale, but not when they’re caused by smoke and grit.

4. Children + sparklers = adult supervision + gloves.
Simple maths. Hold sparklers at arm’s length, wear gloves, and have a bucket of water ready for the used ones. The metal stays hot for ages.

5. Protect those peepers from the weather.
The forecast says wet and windy, so dig out the waterproofs and wellies. Verulamium does “mud bath” well. Glasses – clear or tinted – can stop rain and grit blowing straight into your eyes.

If the worst happens and you get something in your eye, don’t rub it. Rinse with clean water and seek help if it’s still sore.

At EYES on St Albans, we love a good sparkle (and an ooh and an ahhh – though ours are usually when people try new frames on). Whether it’s helping you see the fireworks clearly or fitting lenses that cut down glare from night driving, we’ve got you covered.

So wrap up warm, bring the marshmallows, and enjoy the show – safely. And if you spot Jez at Verulamium Park, he’ll be the one in the yellow jumper, humming “Firework,” and definitely wearing proper eye protection.