Florida ophthalmologists warn of fireworks eye injuries ahead of July 4

The Florida Society of Ophthalmology is urging people to protect their eyes as Independence Day approaches, citing rising fireworks injuries and the risk of blindness, especially for children and bystanders. The group is also reminding families that if an eye injury happens, quick medical care matters.

Why it matters: - Fireworks can cause severe, sometimes blinding, eye injuries. - Children and bystanders account for a large share of victims. - The risk rises around Independence Day, when personal fireworks use increases.

What happened: - The Florida Society of Ophthalmology is warning Floridians about fireworks-related eye injuries before Independence Day. - The group is encouraging people to take safety measures when handling or watching fireworks. - Ahad Mahootchi, MD, president of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, said consumer fireworks should not be treated as harmless.

The details: - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported an estimated 14,700 fireworks-related injuries and 11 deaths in its most recent annual data release for 2024. - That total marked a 52% increase in injuries and a 38% increase in deaths from the prior year. - Children under 15 made up more than one-third of victims. - Eyes accounted for 14% of fireworks-related injuries. - Mahootchi said fireworks can rupture the eye, cause retinal detachment, or lead to corneal burns. - Florida allows consumer fireworks to be purchased on designated days, including Independence Day. - The Florida Society of Ophthalmology recommends safety goggles for anyone using fireworks. - The group says people should leave fireworks to professionals when possible. - The group advises watching fireworks from at least 500 feet away because many eye injuries happen to bystanders. - The group warns against sparklers for young children because they burn at more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. - The group suggests alternatives such as LED fiber optic wands and glow sticks. - If an eye injury happens, the group says to call 911 or seek immediate medical care. - The group says not to rub, rinse, or put pressure on the eye. - The group says not to remove objects stuck in the eye. - The group says not to apply ointments or take blood-thinning pain medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen unless a doctor directs it.

Between the lines: - The warning reflects a broader safety issue: many fireworks injuries happen to people who are not holding the fireworks. - The emphasis on eye protection and quick medical response suggests many fireworks injuries are preventable but can become serious fast. - The timing ahead of July 4 is meant to reduce avoidable injuries during the highest-risk period of the year.

What's next: - Florida ophthalmologists will likely continue public outreach as Independence Day approaches. - Families planning fireworks displays are being pushed to choose professional shows or use safer alternatives. - Anyone with a fireworks-related eye injury should get emergency care immediately.