To enjoy the beauty of fireworks, you have to see them. Unfortunately, eye injuries are a common injury from fireworks. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends wearing protective eyewear around fireworks and staying a safe distance of 500 feet. According to the AAO, eye injuries are one of the most common fireworks-related injuries — and 1 in 6 of these injuries may result in blindness or permanent vision loss. So if you choose to enjoy fireworks this Independence Day, keep your eyes in mind. Even a pair of sunglasses is better than no eye protection at all.
