Fourth of July is upon us and we're all excited for gatherings with friends and family, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. However, while fireworks can be beautiful to watch, we should remember that they are powerful explosives and can risk damage to your eyes if not handled properly.

Experts advise to admire fireworks from a safe distance

Eye Injuries from Fireworks Are More Common Than You Think

Each year, thousands of people visit emergency rooms across the country due to firework-related injuries. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 15% of these injuries involve the eyes, making fireworks one of the leading causes of eye trauma during the summer.

What’s even more concerning? Nearly half of those injured aren’t the ones handling the fireworks, but bystanders, including children.

What Kinds of Eye Injuries Can Fireworks Cause?

Fireworks can cause a range of eye injuries, including:

• Burns to the eyelids or eye surface

• Corneal abrasions (scratches to the front of the eye)

• Foreign bodies or debris in the eye

• Blunt trauma from flying objects or exploding devices

• Ruptured globes (a serious and vision-threatening injury)

• Retinal detachment or bleeding

  
  

Even small fireworks like sparklers, which can burn at nearly 2,000°F, are capable of causing severe eye damage.

How to Protect Your Eyes From Fireworks

• Watch from a safe distance—at least 25 feet away from ground-based fireworks and 500 feet from aerial fireworks.

• Never let children handle fireworks.

• Wear protective eyewear if you're lighting or standing close to fireworks.

• Don't re-light a "dud."

• Be alert to your surroundings. Don't hover over fireworks and avoid flammable areas like dry grass.

  
  

If an Eye Injury Happens

Do not rub the eye, rinse it, or apply pressure. Instead, seek emergency medical care right away. The most catastrophic injuries often require immediate surgical attention. Quick treatment can make a big difference in protecting long-term vision.

At Beacon Retina, we’re here to help protect your eyes, from fireworks on holidays and every day. We wish you a safe and joyful Independence Day!

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Dr. Sophia Wong is a retina specialist, surgeon and board-certified ophthalmologist. She established Beacon Retina, the first concierge ophthalmology practice in the Washington, D.C. metro region, to prioritize thoughtful, patient-centered care for preserving long-term vision.