Summer is officially here, which means Fourth of July and firework festivities are just around the corner. While enjoying the fun, it’s crucial to remember that fireworks, if not handled properly, can pose serious risks to not only our body, but our eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has designated June as Fireworks Eye Safety Month in recognition of the potential dangers that fireworks can cause to eyes.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), thousands of people sustain injuries from fireworks every year, with a significant portion affecting the eyes. These injuries can range from minor burns to serious trauma, including corneal abrasions, chemical burns, and blunt force trauma leading to rupture or even detachment.1
Although fireworks bring excitement and sparkle to celebrations, it is necessary to always take precautions given the serious risks they pose. The statistics surrounding fireworks-related eye injuries are sobering2:
These numbers highlight the need for greater awareness and stringent safety measures. To mitigate the risks, checkout these Do’s and Don’ts for following firework safety3,4:
| Firework Safety Do’s: | Firework Safety Don’ts: |
| Leave it to the professionals. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public displays conducted by trained professionals. | Don’t ignore local laws. Adhere to local regulations regarding firework usage. Illegal or homemade fireworks pose additional risks. |
| Use protective eyewear. If you must handle fireworks, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sparks, debris, and explosions. | Don’t purchase, use, or store fireworks. Avoid handling fireworks yourself. Only attend authorized public displays, though even these can be dangerous. |
| Maintain a safe distance. Observe fireworks from a safe distance and avoid standing close to the launching area. | Avoid fireworks in windy conditions. Seeing fireworks in windy conditions increases risk of: unpredictable trajectories, fire hazards from sparks, and lack of control during ignition. |
Fireworks Eye Safety Month reminds us that while fireworks bring joy, they also require caution. By following safety guidelines, we can help prevent eye injuries and allow our vision to stay as bright as the fireworks. As we celebrate, let’s prioritize eye safety.
Sources:
1. “Fireworks.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks. Accessed 12 June 2024.
2. “Real Dangers: The Hard Facts About Fireworks-Related Eye Injuries.” Optos, 28 June 2016, www.optos.com/blog/2016/June/real-dangers-the-hard-facts-about-fireworks-related-eye-injuries/#:~:text=Another%2019%25%20percent%20were%20to,the%20home%20use%20of%20fireworks.&text=Fireworks%20mishaps%20can%20inflict%20burns,the%20eyes%20of%20its%20victims. Accessed 12 June 2024.
3. “Fireworks Eye Safety Month.” Days of the Year, www.daysoftheyear.com/days/fireworks-eye-safety-month/. Accessed 12 June 2024.
4. “Prevent Eye Injuries from Fireworks.” Prevent Blindness, Prevent Blindness, https://preventblindness.org/prevent-eye-injuries-from-fireworks/. Accessed 19 June 2024.