Avoiding devastating eye injuries this Fourth of July

Hawaiian Eye Center reminds Hawaiʻi residents ahead of the Fourth of July holiday that fireworks are not toys and can cause life-changing injuries in an instant.

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

Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars on consumer fireworks each year for the holiday, yet these colorful displays contribute to more than 9,000 injuries annually.

Many of the 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 can underestimate 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.

Common fireworks-related eye injuries

• 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 these 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.

Seek immediate medical attention if an eye injury happens. People should not rub the eye, apply pressure, rinse the eye with water or attempt to remove any object embedded in the eye.

Hawaiian Eye Center encourages 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,” say experts. “No celebration is worth risking your sight.”

Visit the Hawaiian Eye Center website for additional information about fireworks safety and eye health.