Watch your eyes warning for Bonfire Night

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Rotherham General Hospital, said that it had seen an increase in the number of patients with injuries and infections of the eyes recently, some of which have resulted in patients admitted to wards for further treatment.

Make-up and novelty cosmetic contact lenses, worn as part of Hallowe’en costumes, are thought to have contributed to the rise and the number of patients visiting the hospital’s ophthalmology department.

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That number is expected to grow further following the bonfire night festivities.

Consultant ophthalmologist, Mr Mohamed Jabir, said: “It is always important for people to take care with their eyes.

“At this time of the year people need to be especially cautious and make sure they follow good safety and hygiene practice.

“I would advise people to take special care when out enjoying the festivities and very importantly, to make sure anything they put in their eyes is purchased from a specialist optician to ensure high levels of hygiene are maintained.”

Mr Jabir added: “People should never take shortcuts with their eyes as they are a very sensitive area and this can lead to complications such as infections, ulcers and abscesses.”

Government advice suggests that those buying fireworks this weekend should only purchase them from reputable retailers and should only buy those with British or European safety standard markings.

People lighting fireworks should do so at arms length, avoid drinking alcohol and and never return to a lit firework that fails to go off.

Children using sparklers should be supervised and made to wear gloves.