Avoiding Devastating Eye Injuries This 4th of July

Safety Tips During Fireworks-heavy Holiday

As Fourth of July celebrations approach, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding Hawaiʻi residents that fireworks are not toys and can cause life-changing injuries in an instant.

Each year, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars on consumer fireworks, yet these colorful displays contribute to more than 9,000 injuries annually. Many of these incidents involve serious eye trauma that can lead to permanent vision loss, blindness, burns, and other devastating consequences.
Health experts are particularly concerned about young people who may underestimate the dangers associated with fireworks. Even legal consumer fireworks can reach extremely high temperatures, explode unexpectedly, and send sparks, debris, or shrapnel into the eyes and face.

“Many people think fireworks-related injuries only happen to those lighting them, but bystanders are frequently injured as well,” says Dr. Steven Rhee of Hawaiian Eye Center. “A split second can change a person’s vision forever.”

Common fireworks-related eye injuries include:

• Corneal burns and abrasions
• Retinal damage
• Detached retinas
• Ruptured eyeballs
• Permanent vision loss or blindness

The risk is especially significant during holiday gatherings where fireworks are used in crowded neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and residential areas.

Safety Tips for Hawaiʻi Residents
Hawaiian Eye Center recommends the following precautions:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Do not stand close to anyone lighting fireworks.
• Keep a safe distance from active fireworks displays.
• Wear protective eyewear if handling fireworks.
• Leave fireworks displays to trained professionals whenever possible.
• Never attempt to relight a malfunctioning firework.

If an eye injury occurs, experts advise seeking immediate medical attention. Individuals should not rub the eye, apply pressure, rinse the eye with water, or attempt to remove any object embedded in the eye.

As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day, health professionals encourage residents to prioritize safety and consider attending professional fireworks displays rather than using consumer fireworks.

“The best way to prevent fireworks-related eye injuries is to avoid handling fireworks altogether,” experts say. “No celebration is worth risking your sight.”
For more information about fireworks safety and eye health, visit HawaiianEye.com.