How to protect your eyes this 4th of July

From parades and barbecues to fireworks, the 4th of July is full of time outside with friends and family. While you may remember to put on sunscreen to protect your skin and keep water nearby to stay hydrated, it’s also important to protect your eyes while celebrating.

Not only can fireworks and sparklers cause eye injuries during this holiday, but extra time outdoors can also increase your eyes' UV exposure.

Here are some tips on how to protect your eyes from fireworks and UV rays this 4th of July and all summer long.

Are fireworks safe?

Fireworks are not particularly safe, especially when proper safety protocols aren’t followed.

Approximately 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms¹ each year, with the majority of these injuries occurring in the weeks surrounding the 4th of July holiday. In 2023, about 19% of all fireworks injuries were eye injuries, and most of the people affected were children and young adults.  

Fireworks can cause eye injuries including burns², corneal abrasions, and even retinal detachment, all of which have the potential to damage your vision permanently.

This highlights the importance of firework safety when viewing a display.

Fireworks eye safety tips

The best way to keep yourself safe when watching fireworks is to watch fireworks at a professional display rather than lighting your own. Professional fireworks displays only account for 1%³ of firework injuries, so this is by far the safest way to enjoy fireworks.

If you choose to set off fireworks yourself, here are a few fireworks safety tips⁴ to help keep your eyes safe:

• Keep your distance from fireworks. Most people injured by fireworks are bystanders⁵, so make sure everyone viewing fireworks is at least 500 feet away⁶.

• Never let children⁷ play with or set off fireworks or sparklers (which burn at 2,000° F). Keep children far away from all fireworks displays.

• Follow all local laws regarding fireworks and never set them off if it’s not legal where you live.

• Wear eye protection when handling fireworks. 

• Set off fireworks in a large, clear area away from any flammable materials.

• Keep a garden hose nearby in case of a fire.

• Do not re-light or pick up fireworks if they didn’t fully ignite. Soak them with water and discard them.

• Never use homemade⁸ or illegal fireworks, as these can cause severe, even life-threatening, injuries.

If you have an eye injury from a fireworks-related accident, seek medical attention immediately. 

Protect your eyes from the sun when outdoors

If you are spending your 4th of July outside, don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun! Too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure can increase your risk⁹ of developing eye diseases and other problems such as cataracts and eye cancers. Your eyes can even become sunburned (called photokeratitis) if exposed to too much UV light. 

This 4th of July and all year long, here’s how you can prevent sun-related eye injuries and protect your eyes while outside: 

• Put on a pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. 

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes. 

• Stay in the shade when possible. 

Have a happy (and safe) holiday!

Don’t forget to protect your eyes this 4th of July, and all year long. If you have any questions about how to keep your eyes healthy and safe, contact your VSP^® network doctor.

This article previously appeared on VSP®, Delta Dental of Tennessee’s DeltaVision® partner.