There are approximately 8,500 fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States. Of these, about 2,000 are eye injuries. One-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness. Almost one in 20 victims lose all useful vision or require removal of the inured eye.

One-fourth of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks happen to bystanders.

Three-fourths of all fireworks-related eye injuries happen to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.

The single most dangerous kind of firework is the bottle rocket, which flies erratically, often causing bystander injuries.

For children under age 5, sparklers account for three-quarters of all firework injuries. Young children find these sticks of fire – burning as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit – irresistible to touch.

Never let children play with fireworks of any kind, including sparklers.

View public fireworks displays from a safe distance.

Respect safety barriers set up to allow pyrotechnicians (the professionals who put on fireworks shows) to do their jobs safely.

Leave the lighting of fireworks to trained professionals.

If you find unexploded fireworks, don’t touch them. Immediately contact your local fire or police department.

All pyrotechnicians should wear safety goggles.