Summer holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Lights, colors, and the sound of fireworks in the sky, are all part of the same shared experience, especially around the Fourth of July.
But every year, these magical moments come with a risk most people don’t think about until it’s too late.
June is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month. When eye injuries happen, they don’t just halt the celebration. They change how you experience the world moving forward.
Take a moment to learn more about how to protect your vision this summer.
What is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most firework injuries happen from the middle of June to the middle of July. With thousands of Americans reaching for the sparklers and fireworks this July Fourth, it’s important to understand the risks.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s fireworks injury report, close to 14,7000 Americans were seriously injured in 2024, with around 15% of injuries involving the eyes.
These numbers prove something: fireworks safety is incredibly important for everyone.
How to Be Safe this Summer
A few small changes can make a big difference, such as:
- Attending public fireworks displays, instead of lighting them yourself
- Keep a safe distance from active fireworks
- Avoid letting children handle fireworks or sparklers (sparklers can burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals)
- Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited
- Keep a bucket or a hose nearby
- Never use fireworks while under the influence
Even though these are simple steps, they can drastically reduce firework accidents.
Why This Matters
Fireworks are meant to bring people together and create amazing memories for everyone involved.
When eye safety is taken seriously, the focus stays where it belongs: on celebration, connection, and enjoying the moment without hesitation. A few small decisions now can help prevent changes that last far beyond a single night.
Be Part of the Impact
At The Lighthouse of Houston, we work with individuals who are blind or low vision to build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to move forward with purpose.
But awareness, such as understanding the risks around fireworks, also plays an important role in protecting your eyes.
If you believe in creating a world where people have support, knowledge, and community, consider making a donation today.
Your support helps provide training, education, and opportunities that empower people to realize their full potential.
Join us in making that possible.
