Fireworks Safety Tips to Protect Your Eyes This Summer

Every summer, emergency rooms across the country see a surge in injuries caused by fireworks. And while burns and hand injuries are common, eye injuries make up a surprisingly large portion of the total.

Understanding Firework Eye Injuries

Fireworks are fun to watch, but are also dangerous, especially for your eyes. Around 1 in 5 of all fireworks-related injuries affect the eyes, and many of them happen during backyard celebrations. These injuries are often serious and need emergency care right away.

Here are the most common types of eye firework injuries and what causes them:

1. Burns from sparks and embers – When sparks fly too close to your face, they can burn the surface of your eye, causing pain, blurred vision, and damage to the cornea. Even sparklers burn at temperatures above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. That is hot enough to melt some metals. 
2. Lacerations from shrapnel or casing fragments – If a device bursts too early or malfunctions, tiny pieces of plastic, cardboard, or metal can shoot out at high speed. These fragments can cut the skin around the eye or slice into the eye itself. These injuries often need surgery.
3. Ruptured eyeballs from direct contact or explosion – If a firework goes off close to someone’s face or if they are holding it when it explodes, the pressure can cause the eyeball to rupture. This is a medical emergency that often results in permanent vision loss, even with surgery.
4. Foreign body injuries from debris – After a firework explodes, bits of ash, dust, or debris can get into your eyes. This might sound minor, but it will still cause scratching, redness, pain, or infection. Trying to rub it out only makes it worse.

Fireworks Injury Statistics

Fireworks injuries spike around the Fourth of July.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that nearly two-thirds of all fireworks-related injuries each year happen during the month surrounding Independence Day. 

Most victims are bystanders.

In many cases, the person injured is not the one lighting the firework. The CPSC has found that over 30% of those hurt are innocent bystanders, including children watching nearby. That makes protective measures and distance even more important.

There are thousands of ER visits every summer related to fireworks injuries.

In 2023, the CPSC estimated over 9,700 emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries. Of those, around 1,900 were for eye-related issues. These numbers highlight how common and serious fireworks injuries have become in recent years.

Even small fireworks (like sparklers and bottle rockets) will cause lasting damage if they hit the eyes. That is why it is important to treat fireworks like the explosives they are and take precautions before something goes wrong.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Protecting Your Eyes

1. Wear safety glasses every time.

Safety glasses should always be on, whether you are lighting fireworks or just nearby. They help block sparks, ash, and flying debris. Choose a pair rated for impact protection, not just regular sunglasses.

2. Never lean over a firework when lighting it.

Fireworks can be unpredictable. If one explodes too early or sends sparks upward, leaning over it puts your face and eyes in direct danger. Light the fuse at arm’s length and step back right away.

3. Keep kids well away from fireworks.

Children should never handle fireworks – not even sparklers. Sparklers burn hotter than you might expect and can cause serious burns or eye injuries. Set a clear boundary and make sure kids stay far from any fireworks activity.

For more information, check out Kids and Fireworks: How to Keep Their Eyes Safe This Summer.

4. Go to a professional fireworks display instead.

Backyard shows may seem fun, but they are far more dangerous. Professional displays are done by trained experts with strict safety rules and proper distance from the crowd. You get the thrill without the risk.

What to Do Immediately After a Firework Eye Injury

Quick action can help prevent permanent damage if someone gets hurt by a firework. Here are the first steps to take for firework eye injury treatment:

1. Do NOT rub the eye.

It might be a natural reaction, but rubbing worsens the injury. If debris is in the eye or the surface is scratched, rubbing will cause more damage or push foreign objects in deeper.

2. Do NOT rinse the eye or apply pressure.

Even if the eye looks dirty or swollen, do not try to flush it with water or press on it. Rinsing may worsen the injury, especially if the eyeball is ruptured or bleeding. Pressure increases the risk of further harm.

3. Gently cover the eye.

Use a paper or plastic cup to loosely shield the eye. This will protect it from further damage while you get help.  Avoid gauze or cloth, as these can increase the pressure applied to the eye.  Tape the covering in a way that keeps pressure off the eye, or try to hold it in place. 

4. Get medical help right away.

A firework-related eye injury is always an emergency. Go straight to an eye doctor or the nearest ER. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of saving vision.

Celebrate Safely This Summer

Fireworks should be a part of your summer memories, not a reason to visit the ER. Share these fireworks safety tips with friends and family so everyone can enjoy the holiday without harm.

If someone does get injured, act fast and seek medical care immediately. 

And remember, Heart of Texas Eye Care is here for you. From emergency treatment to long-term care, our expert team is ready to help protect your vision – this summer and all year long.