Keep Your Eyes Peeled to Celebrate July 4th Safely

Written by Meg Boberg (Optical Manager of Insight Vision - Waukee)

Independence Day is here!

At Insight Vision, your partners in eye health and better vision, we encourage you to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our country, but also to heed the wisdom of one of our Founding Fathers:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - Benjamin Franklin

Fireworks in Des Moines following a 2018 Iowa Cubs baseball game. Photo taken by Phil Roeder sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Fireworks Injuries Are Often Preventable

Every year, the numbers increase of Americans who become injured, blinded, or worse, according to statistics published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2025 alone, there were 15 deaths directly associated with firework injuries, and another 15,000 Americans were injured.

Whether it's fireworks, firecrackers, or sparklers, which many people purchase at pop-up tents found all over The Des Moines Metro -- they pose safety hazards (even if they turn out to be "duds"). For example, many people mistakenly assume that sparklers are harmless, but they should not be handled by children. Sparklers are the culprit of many children suffering from burn injuries that could cause permanent disability or disfigurement.

Igniting fireworks should be left in the capable hands of certified professionals trained in pyrotechnics.

How Can I Celebrate Safely?

Anyone who handles anything that is ignited or can explode should practice safety precautions such as wearing protective eyewear.

Always keep your distance of at least 500 feet away from any fireworks, and respect any imposed safety barriers. Spectators should keep in mind that the high heat resulting from ignited fireworks can cause injuries unpredictably. The health and safety risks of fireworks that misfire, discharge in the wrong direction, or explode simultaneously cannot be overstated.

Children should be supervised and never use firecrackers, or sparklers, or be too near adults who use them. No matter how they are advertised, none of these are toys. Children are at risk of severe accidents and injuries on Independence Day, and even more so if nearby adults cannot properly supervise them from distractions or alcohol impairment.

Have You Been Hurt?

Call 911 immediately in the event of fireworks injuries.

While you wait for paramedics, follow these recommended guidelines from The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AOA):

• Do not rub your eyes or apply any pressure.

• Do not rinse your eyes.

• Foreign objects should only be removed by medical professionals.

• Do not apply ointments or eye drops unless a healthcare provider recommends it.

• Do not take pain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as they could thin the blood and worsen existing injuries.

Insight Vision Is Your Partner for Good Eye Health & Vision

The risk of being injured by fireworks is simple to avoid with proper precautions. Our local optometrists in Waukee and Marion at Insight Vision, encourage you to enjoy your July 4^th responsibly. Be aware of your surroundings, supervise your children, and do not cross any barriers between professional pyrotechnicians and your family.

Interested in making an eye exam in Waukee or Marion? We have two conveniently located optometry offices for your convenience. To book an appointment with Insight Vision, contact us (319) 377-5343 for our Marion office, or call (515) 221-9195 to reach our Waukee staff.