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The sights and sounds of a fireworks display are a traditional part of a 4th of July celebration. Unfortunately, fireworks can also lead to another annual tradition - a trip to the emergency room. According to Dr. Muir, Therapeutic Optometrist, approximately 6,400 Americans are treated annually for fireworks-related injuries during the 4th of July holiday period. And of those, almost 1,600 are treated for injuries to the eye.

 
“Every year, as many as 400 Americans lose sight in one or both eyes due to fireworks,” Dr. Muir said. “We strongly encourage people to attend only authorized public fireworks display conducted by licensed operators.”
 
Dr. Dr. Muir also had these eye-opening facts about fireworks-related eye injuries:
  • Children under 14 account for 45% of fireworks-related eye injuries.
  • Almost half of fireworks injuries happen to bystanders.
  • The fireworks that cause the most injuries are bottle rockets, firecrackers and sparklers.