Fireworks are a time-honored way to celebrate Independence Day, but they can cause happy gatherings to end in ERs. Did you know that nearly one in five firework injuries affects the eyes? At Southwest Eye Institute, we want you to enjoy the show without worrying about eye safety. Follow these expert-approved tips to protect your vision this Fourth of July. And remember, if you do experience an injury, our urgent eye-care team is here to help. Schedule your urgent eye-care appointment now.
Ready to dive in? Below are six essential fireworks eye safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while you ring in the holiday.
1. Wear ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 22% of fireworks injuries involve the face and head, and 19% specifically involve the eyes. While burns are the most common, shrapnel and debris lodging in the eyes and skin are also common issues with fireworks. And it’s not just firecrackers that are concerning; sparklers can also be dangerous. They can burn at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and rogue fragments penetrate standard sunglasses.
Pick up a pair of polycarbonate safety goggles to keep your eyes safe when using fireworks and sparklers. Look for ones with an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rating of Z87.1. These goggles will block 99% of shrapnel and debris, making them ideal for providing eye protection for fireworks. You can find these at pretty much any hardware store.
2. Keep a Safe Distance
Shrapnel from an exploding firework can travel over 100 yards, putting anyone within that zone at risk. Of course, bigger fireworks are more dangerous, but even small fireworks meant to be launched at home can cause injuries. And it’s not just those doing the launching who need to be careful, as one study found that 65% of those injured by fireworks were bystanders. This means that you can be injured even if you aren’t the one setting off the fireworks.
Bystanders should maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from consumer fireworks and 150 feet from larger displays. If you’re helping to set up the display, mark off a viewing zone with cones or tape to ensure everyone stays the proper distance away from the launch. If you’re an observer, stay behind this line, and encourage others to do so as well.
3. Treat Duds with Caution
The majority of deaths related to fireworks are the result of handling fireworks in an unsafe manner. However, even properly-handled fireworks can cause damage or even kill. Fireworks can be unpredictable, and, as a result, may misfire, discharge, or explode without warning. This is part of the reason that so many people who are injured are bystanders.
One issue you may come across with fireworks is a “dud,” or a firework that doesn’t ignite. While these might seem safer, duds can still explode unexpectedly. You may feel compelled to pick it up and examine it, trying to find out why it didn’t go off, but don’t! This is one of the most common ways people receive eye injuries from fireworks. Don’t try to relight it, but don’t just toss it to the side, either. Instead, saturate it in a bucket of water. Let it sit submerged for at least 15 minutes, then dispose of it in a metal container.
4. Supervise Children Closely
Children, even teens, are the most likely to end up with fireworks-related injuries. 31% of all fireworks-related injuries occur in children under the age of 15. However, teens 15-19 years old are the most likely to end up in the emergency room due to fireworks. Behind them, the next-highest age group is children 5-9 years old.
To keep children safe, closely monitor all kids around fireworks. Assign one adult to each child, and limit kids to using sparklers, not firecrackers. Keep a careful eye on kids, even if they’re just using sparklers, as these can still get very hot. Do not let kids light the sparklers or fireworks.
Additionally, toddlers and very young children should not handle sparklers. Children this age do not understand how to handle these items properly and safely. On top of that, even a brief glance at sparklers up close can cause corneal damage in toddlers.
5. Avoid Metal or Glass Launchers
Never create your own fireworks launchers from materials like soda cans, bottles, metal tubes, or anything not specifically designed for fireworks. Fragile materials like these will shatter upon ignition, which can send dangerous shards in every direction. Even if you’re wearing safety goggles, you’re putting the rest of your body, as well as nearby plants, animals, and structures, at risk.
Only use commercially manufactured mortar racks and DIY launchers approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These products are specifically designed to withstand the heat and pressure of fireworks, so they won’t shatter.
Note that even if you are using legal firecrackers and approved launchers, you still need to proceed with caution. The CPSC found that in 2023, approximately 18% of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components, such as prohibited chemicals and improper fuses. This is why it’s so important to follow all safety steps around fireworks.
6. Choose Professional Displays When Possible
When it comes to fireworks, it’s best to let trained pyrotechnicians handle the biggest aerial shows. Professional firework launches use controlled mortars and safety zones, which dramatically reduce the risk of eye injury. Many communities have professional fireworks shows around the Fourth of July; check your local calendar for free or low-cost events near you.
If you must set off your own firework extravaganza (and fireworks are legal in your area), keep the following fireworks safety tips in mind:
- Only purchase and set off fireworks meant for consumer use, not professional use
- Do not use fireworks or sparklers when under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Light fireworks one at a time, and move back quickly once you light them
- Do not place any part of your body directly over the firecracker when lighting the fuse
- Do not point fireworks, including sparklers, at anyone
- Keep a bucket full of water or a garden hose nearby to quickly put out fires
- Once you finish with a firework, douse it with water to ensure it is completely extinguished before discarding
What to Do If You Experience an Eye Injury
Even with precautions, accidents happen. If you or a loved one suffers a fireworks-related eye injury:
- Do not: rinse the eye with tap water or remove embedded debris
- Do not: rub or apply pressure—this can worsen a corneal scratch or foreign body
- Do not: use over-the-counter ointments or drops without a prescription
- Do: Call 911 if after hours. You can also schedule an emergency exam online for immediate attention.
Our ophthalmologists are here to stabilize injuries, remove debris safely, and recommend next steps so that you can protect your vision and enjoy the rest of your summer.