IMPORTANT! Fireworks Eye Safety

June 24, 2024

The numbers are clear: Fireworks are dangerous, and July 4 is especially risky for eye injuries.

Increased Injuries

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's most recent study on annual fireworks injuries, fireworks caused 8 deaths and 9,700 injuries in 2023, with 19% being eye injuries. Half of those requiring an emergency room visit were people aged 20 or younger. 

People injured by fireworks aren't necessarily handling the explosives themselves. According to another study, bystanders are in as much danger as those lighting the fireworks — 65% of people injured by fireworks were bystanders.

Children and teens are frequent victims. According to the CDC, "Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 5-9 years old having the second highest rate."

Sparklers Appear Harmless

Even seemingly harmless sparklers can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at 2,000+º F, which is hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers were responsible for approximately 700 injuries requiring an ER visit, and a sparkler caused one death reported in 2017. [Take the AAO Poll: Should Kids Be Allowed to Use Sparklers?]

Be cautious when purchasing fireworks. The CDC noted that "approximately 18% of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals, and pyrotechnic materials overload."

Fireworks Safety

Watching a professional, public fireworks show instead of using fireworks at home is the best way to avoid injury. While watching professional shows, be at least 500 feet away from the fireworks platform. Do NOT touch unexploded fireworks if they land by you, and immediately contact emergency personnel for help

If you decide to purchase and use consumer fireworks where they are legal, follow these safety tips :

  • Do not allow young children to play with fireworks, including running or horseplay.
  • Do not set off near people, houses, dry leaves, grass, and other flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
  • Do not light multiple fireworks at one time.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning duds. Thoroughly soak them with water, then throw them away.
  • Do not light fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal.
  • Do not have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
  • Do not store near ignition sources or in the home if possible. Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.

Fireworks-related eye injuries can combine blunt force trauma, heat burns, and chemical exposure. Below are tips if you receive an injury.

What To Do If Your Eye Is Injured?

If an eye injury from fireworks occurs, it should be considered a medical emergency.

  • Seek medical attention immediately!
  • Do not rub or apply pressure to your eyes.
  • Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
  • Do not rinse or apply ointments to your eye.
  • If you take any blood-thinning meds, don't take them until you are instructed by your doctor.

For other types of eye injuries, refer to the AAO's article on Recognizing and Treating Eye Injuries.

Portions of this article appeared on www.aao.org and CPSC.gov and are shared by Spokane Eye Clinic to spread awareness.