Fireworks are a popular part of many celebrations around the world. Whether you’re watching a Fourth of July display in the United States or enjoying fireworks during another holiday or festival. While they can be exciting to watch, they can also cause devastating injuries—particularly to the eyes. Even a single spark or flying piece of debris can lead to permanent vision loss.

This article is based on guidance from Prevent Blindness and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help you celebrate safely while protecting your eyesight and the vision of those you love.*

Fireworks Can Cause Serious Eye Injuries

Many people assume that only the person lighting fireworks is at risk. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Family members, neighbors, and even bystanders can be injured by fireworks that explode unexpectedly or travel off course.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks caused 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 injuries in the United States in 2025. Burns accounted for 38% of all emergency department-treated injuries, and the hands and fingers were the most commonly injured body parts, followed by the head, face, and ears.

Another CPSC report from 2023 provides additional insight into who is most affected by these injuries. It found that:

• Nearly one-third (31%) of fireworks injuries involved children younger than 15 years old.
• Males accounted for 67% of all fireworks injuries.
• Eye injuries made up 19% of all fireworks-related emergency department visits.
• Approximately 6,400 injuries occurred during the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July, highlighting the increased risk during holiday celebrations.

Even fireworks that seem harmless can be dangerous. Sparklers, for example, burn at temperatures of about 1,800°F—hot enough to melt some metals and cause severe burns or permanent eye injuries.

The Safest Way to Celebrate Is to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Prevent Blindness recommends that nonprofessionals never use fireworks of any kind. The safest option is to attend an authorized public fireworks display conducted by trained professionals.

Even at public displays, it’s important to remember that accidents can still happen. To reduce your risk:

• Watch only licensed, organized fireworks shows.
• Stay as far away from the launch area as directed.
• Never pick up fireworks that fail to explode.
• Keep children well away from all fireworks, including sparklers.
• Follow all instructions and safety barriers at public events.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate without fireworks, there are plenty of fun alternatives that are much safer for your eyes.

These activities create lasting memories without putting your family’s vision at risk.

What to Do If a Firework Injures the Eye

An eye injury caused by fireworks is always a medical emergency. Acting quickly—and avoiding common mistakes—can help reduce further damage.

If someone experiences an eye injury:

• Do not rub the eye. Rubbing can make the injury worse or increase bleeding.
• Do not rinse the eye with water. This may cause additional damage depending on the injury.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye. Instead, loosely protect it with a clean paper cup or similar shield to prevent accidental contact.
• Do not apply ointments or eye drops. These can make it more difficult for healthcare providers to examine the injury.
• Do not delay seeking emergency care. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call 911 if needed.

Although it may be tempting to stop for pain medicine, getting medical attention as quickly as possible is much more important. Some medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can increase bleeding and should not be given unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Prompt treatment can make a significant difference in preserving vision.

Protecting Children’s Vision Starts with Prevention

Children are naturally curious and may not understand how dangerous fireworks can be. That’s why adult supervision alone is not enough.

The best way to protect children is to keep them away from all fireworks, including sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers.

Before heading to a celebration, ask yourself:

• Are we attending an authorized public fireworks display?
• Will we stay a safe distance from the fireworks?
• Are children being kept away from all fireworks?
• Do we know what to do if an eye injury occurs?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” consider choosing one of the many safe celebration ideas instead.

Why This Matters

Most fireworks injuries are preventable. While fireworks may last only a few moments, the damage they cause can last a lifetime. Protecting your eyesight doesn’t mean giving up the fun—it simply means making safer choices.

This Independence Day, enjoy the celebration with family and friends, watch professional fireworks from a safe distance, and choose activities that help everyone make happy memories while keeping their vision protected. A little planning today can help ensure you and your loved ones continue seeing tomorrow’s celebrations clearly.

• Prevent Blindness. “Preventing Fireworks Eye Injuries.” preventblindness.org
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Fireworks Safety Center (2025 Safety Information and Injury Data)” cspc.gov
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “2023 Fireworks Annual Report.” cspc.gov

The information provided by The Glaucoma Community is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or care. The Glaucoma Community does not endorse specific treatments, providers, or products.