Hawaiian Eye Center warns fireworks can cause instant, severe eye injuries

Hawaiian Eye Center is warning Hawaii residents ahead of the Fourth of July that fireworks can cause life-changing eye injuries in an instant. The danger reaches beyond the person lighting the fuse: children, neighbors and other bystanders can be hurt just as badly as anyone handling the fireworks.

Consumer fireworks can cause corneal burns, retinal damage, detached retinas, ruptured eyeballs, burns, permanent vision loss and blindness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates fireworks cause almost 2,000 eye injuries every year, and more than half happen in children. The latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that 16% of fireworks injuries were eye injuries.

The CPSC estimated 14,700 fireworks-related injuries and 11 deaths in 2024, a sharp rise from 2023. Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries, and the most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers, followed by the head, face and ears. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says most fireworks injuries happen between mid-June and mid-July.

Hawaii County is planning public Fourth of July celebrations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona this year. Personal fireworks are prohibited at county and state parks during the holiday events, fireworks permits are available only until 8 p.m. July 4, and sky lanterns and Hawaii lanterns are illegal.

Hawaiian Eye Center advises families to keep children away from fireworks, avoid standing close to anyone lighting them, wear protective eyewear if handling them and seek immediate medical attention after any eye injury. Do not rub the eye, apply pressure, rinse with water or try to remove an embedded object.