Fourth of July fireworks can cause serious eye injuries, doctor warns

Season two of the hit medical drama "The Pitt" takes place on the Fourth of July. The episodes show a surge of emergency room (ER) cases on the holiday, from heat strokes to lost fingers caused by fireworks.

But one serious injury was missing: eye trauma.

"In real life, we see devastating eye injuries in the ER every Fourth of July," said Michele Lim, professor and ophthalmologist at the UC Davis Health Eye Center.

"Some patients come in with 'globe' injuries - damage to the eye itself. Sadly, these injuries, usually from fireworks, can threaten or permanently take away someone's vision," Lim said.

Fireworks can also cause burns, scratches on the eye, and damage to the retina - all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.

Eye injuries make up almost a fifth of fireworks injuries

In 2025, there were 13,000 fireworks injuries, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Eye injuries make up almost a fifth - about 19% - of the fireworks-related injuries that end up in the ER, according to a previous report from CPSC.

With many Northern Californians celebrating with fireworks, Lim says the risk for fireworks-related injuries is especially high before, during and after the holiday weekend.

She emphasizes that awareness about the dangers doesn't have to mean avoiding celebrations altogether.

"We're not here to take the fun out of the holiday," Lim said. "Fireworks are there to be enjoyed. But it's important to watch out for safety."

For example, she notes many people don't realize sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit - as hot as a blowtorch - which makes them dangerous for children.

According to CPSC, 1,300 emergency room-treated injuries last year involved sparklers.

Tips for a safer Fourth of July

• Always wear protective eyewear when handling fireworks.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Keep a safe distance - at least 500 feet - from active fireworks.
• Never relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Consider attending professional fireworks displays instead of using consumer fireworks.

"Serious eye injuries happen more often than people expect during the Fourth of July," Lim said. "But with some advanced planning, such as making sure to have protective eyewear and being aware of the risks, these injuries can be prevented."

Wear safety glasses when handling, lighting or being near fireworks.

If an eye injury occurs

• Get medical help right away. If you cannot get to an eye doctor immediately, go to the ER.
• Do not rub, touch or apply pressure to the eye.
• Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye.
• Do not try to remove objects stuck in the eye.

Debunking myths about fireworks

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) although injuries occur with illegal fireworks, injuries also come from legal fireworks like sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles.

To help people understand the risks, AAO debunks some of the myths.

• Myth 1. Consumer fireworks are harmless.
  Reality: Even handheld or backyard fireworks can cause severe injuries, including burns, corneal abrasions and retinal damage. Eye injuries can happen in seconds - and recovery of vision is not always possible.
• Myth 2. Sparklers are safe for kids.
  Reality: Sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit - hot enough to melt metal. Sparklers are one of the most common causes of injury in children during the holiday.
• Myth 3. Dud fireworks are no big deal.
  Reality: Fireworks that don't initially ignite may go off without warning.
• Myth 4. Only the person lighting fireworks is at risk.
  Reality: Many injuries happen to people simply watching nearby. Bystanders, including children, make up a large portion of those injured.

More resources for a safer Fourth of July

• Fireworks Safety from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Fireworks: The Blinding Truth (Video)
• How to treat an eye injury from fireworks

Consumer Product Safety Commissions: Fireworks Injuries and Deaths