Happy 250th Birthday, America! As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day with backyard barbecues, pool parties, and dazzling fireworks displays, it’s important to remember that eye safety should be part of every celebration.
Although fireworks are a cherished Independence Day tradition, they can quickly turn a celebration into a medical emergency when used improperly or unexpectedly malfunction. Every year, thousands of people suffer preventable injuries, many involving the eyes. Children, teenagers, and even innocent bystanders are among the most common victims.
Fireworks Can Cause Life-Changing Injuries
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 15 people lost their lives, and nearly 13,000 individuals were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2025, representing a significant increase over the previous year. Eye injuries alone account for nearly 1,300 fireworks-related emergency room visits.
Fireworks can cause:
- Severe eye burns
- Corneal injuries
- Eye ruptures
- Permanent vision loss or blindness
Many accidents occur when fireworks malfunction, explode unexpectedly, or are handled incorrectly. Even products that are legally sold can contain defects that make them dangerous.
Children Are Especially Vulnerable
Children and teens continue to experience a large percentage of fireworks injuries each year. Sparklers, often considered a “safe” alternative, actually burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F—hot enough to melt certain metals and cause devastating burns and eye injuries.
Parents should never allow young children to handle sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, or any other fireworks without recognizing the serious risks involved.
The Safest Way to Celebrate
Choosing a professionally supervised fireworks display is the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious injuries while still enjoying the holiday.
If you attend a public fireworks event:
- Watch from a safe distance behind designated safety barriers.
- Never approach fireworks that fail to ignite.
- Wear ANSI-approved protective eyewear if you are near fireworks.
- Follow all instructions provided by event staff and local authorities.
If You Choose to Use Consumer Fireworks
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, always practice extreme caution.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Always supervise older children and teenagers.
- Wear protective safety glasses.
- Keep spectators well away from the launch area.
- Have a bucket of water or hose nearby.
- Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry location away from children.
- Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Follow all state and local laws.
What To Do If an Eye Injury Occurs
Any eye injury caused by fireworks should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation.
If someone suffers an eye injury:
- Do not rub the eye.
- Do not rinse the eye with water.
- Do not apply pressure.
- Do not attempt to remove objects from the eye.
- Do not use ointments or take aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a healthcare professional.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately or.
Celebrate Responsibly
Most fireworks injuries occur during the weeks surrounding Independence Day, making July one of the busiest times of year for emergency rooms treating preventable eye trauma.
This Fourth of July, help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your vision by choosing safety first. Enjoy the holiday, attend professional fireworks displays whenever possible, and remember that no celebration is worth risking a lifetime of vision loss.
From everyone at the Macular Degeneration Association, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and happy Independence Day!
References:
American Academy of Ophthalmology Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Prevent Blindness
By: Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO- Medical Director for the Macular Degeneration Association