Eye Safety on the Fourth of July

Protecting Your Vision: Eye Safety and Fireworks

As fireworks light up the summer sky—especially around holidays like the Fourth of July—it is easy to get caught up in the excitement. But while the bright colors and booming sounds can bring joy, they also come with serious risks, especially to our eyes. Fireworks injuries are more common than many realize, and eye injuries are among the most severe.

Fireworks and Eye Injuries: The Hidden Danger

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, thousands of people visit emergency rooms each year due to fireworks-related injuries. Nearly 15% of those injuries are to the eyes, and many involve bystanders—not just those setting off the fireworks. These eye injuries can range from burns and cuts to serious trauma that results in permanent vision loss.

Common Fireworks-Related Eye Injuries

• Corneal abrasions: Scratches on the eye’s surface from debris or sparks.

• Thermal burns: Heat from fireworks can cause burns to the eyelid and surrounding tissue.

• Lacerations or rupture: Blunt-force trauma or shrapnel can cause the eye to rupture or lead to permanent damage.

• Foreign bodies: Pieces of firework casings or fuses can become embedded in the eye.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Children and young adults are especially vulnerable. In many cases, those injured weren’t even handling the fireworks—they were watching nearby. Sparklers, often seen as "safe" for kids, can burn at temperatures over 1,200°F, hot enough to cause third-degree burns and serious eye trauma.

Eye Safety Tips for Fireworks Season

Here’s how you can enjoy the show while protecting your eyes:

1. Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Public fireworks shows are much safer than at-home displays. Attend a community celebration instead of lighting fireworks yourself.

2. Keep a Safe Distance

If you're near fireworks, stand well back—ideally 500 feet or more for large displays. Even small backyard fireworks can malfunction or misfire.

3. Wear Eye Protection

If you must handle fireworks, wear safety goggles that meet ANSI standards. Regular sunglasses or eyeglasses won't offer sufficient protection.

4. Supervise Children Closely

Never let children handle fireworks—not even sparklers. Keep them at a safe distance and educate them on the dangers.

5. Don’t Relight Duds

If a firework doesn't go off, don’t approach it. It could still explode unexpectedly. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in water before discarding.

6. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Keep a bucket of water, a hose, and a first aid kit nearby when using fireworks. If an eye injury occurs:

• Rinse the eye with sterile saline for 5 minutes.

• Do not rub the eye

• Do not apply pressure

• Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye

• Seek emergency medical help immediately

Final Thoughts

Fireworks are beautiful, but they’re not toys. An unforgettable night can turn tragic in an instant if safety is ignored—especially when it comes to your eyes. This season, choose to celebrate wisely. Protect your vision, and encourage others to do the same. Because once it's gone, your sight may not come back.