How to Protect Your Eyes from Fireworks

Posted May 23, 2024 | Eye Health

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commision’s 2022 Fireworks Injuries report, 10,200 people were taken to the ER for fireworks-related injuries in 2022¹. Of that number, 16% of these injuries occurred to the eyes. Around this time of year, when fireworks are a common occurrence, it can be easy to forget the dangers. And while you might be tempted to assume you know how to handle them safely, it only takes one small mistake to result in an injury that might affect the rest of your life.

Fireworks are no joke. Something as simple as pointing them in the wrong direction can result in an injury, and they’ve been known to malfunction on even the most safety-minded revelors. And when it comes to eye injuries, things can get pretty gruesome. Fireworks mishaps can result in corneal abrasions, thermal burns, and even fracture the globe of the eye².

So what’s a firework-loving person to do? Well, if you can’t imagine celebrating the fourth without your beloved fireworks, here are a few tips to help you stay safe during summer celebrations.

Go to a Professional Show

Lighting up sparklers and Roman Candles in the driveway is about as American as apple pie. But taking things into your own hands opens up all sort of possibilities for things to go awry. Instead, we recommend going to a professional show—where you can rest safely knowing that professionals are taking care of the explosives.

Don’t Let Kids Play with Them

The sight of kids hurtling down the street with sparklers in their hands ignites all sorts of nostalgic memories of summers past. Unfortunately, kids really shouldn’t be handling fireworks: even the most tame brands burn at incredibly high temperatures. Instead, sit the kids down with some snacks and let them enjoy from a safe distance!

Play It Safe

If you don’t have any professional fireworks happening nearby, or you simply don’t want to give up on putting on your own show, there are a few precautions you can take to make sure you’re being as safe as possible.

Make sure you have a pale or bucket full of water nearby, in case anything gets set on fire
Make sure you’re standing at least 500 feet away from the fireworks
Only set the fireworks off one at a time
Set them off away from your house, and away from any nearby dry grasses or leaves
If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try and relight or “fix” it.” Simply douse it in water and dispose of it
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes

What to Do in Case of Fireworks Eye Injury

The first order of business when it comes to fireworks-related eye injuries is to call 911 or seek immediate medical care. Alongside this, try to do the following:

If any objects are in your eyes, do not try and remove them
Don’t apply any ointments or oils, or take any blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen or aspirin
Don’t apply pressure or rub your eyes
Do not rinse your eyes

Fireworks are an inarguably fun part of the summer—but they should be treated with an adequate level of caution. By following these guidelines, you can better enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations while protecting your vision.

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