For millions of Americans, including those who are blind and visually impaired, the Fourth of July is a time of fun, remembrance, and celebration. In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, people will gather to enjoy early morning parades, backyard barbecues, and especially spectacular public fireworks displays.
How do blind and visually impaired people enjoy fireworks?
Many people view a fireworks display as a mostly visual experience. When they look up at the night sky, they see bright lights and bright colors. However, visually impaired and blind people can enjoy the celebration as a fully multi-sensory event. A fireworks display can put you right in the middle of the action. You can feel the energy from the crowd. You can smell the summer night. You can hear a loud bang, a crackle filling the air and the audience reacting.
For example, people with poor eyesight may detect flashes of bright colors and contrast with a dark sky. While people with blindness may experience ringing echoes and buzzing sounds. Regardless of visual level, the auditory and tactile pieces often create an experience as enchanting and exciting as the visual presentation.
Audio described fireworks for people with vision loss
If attending a live fireworks show is not an option, consider watching a live fireworks show Audio description version. Blind and visually impaired people can enjoy an audio-described fireworks program hosted by NBC and Macy’s. Every year, the Messi hosts live on the 4thy July is amazing. But this year will be even more special because it will be their 50th yeary The anniversary of hosting this event is Independence Day. Watch the show on NBC or stream on Peacock. You can learn more about this production at NBCUniversal website.
Prioritize fireworks safety
Although fireworks are fun, safety is important. For people with poor vision and blindness, fireworks safety is a matter of even deeper urgency. A fireworks-related eye injury can change your life. So, protecting your vision, or the remaining vision you have, deserves a moment of extra attention.
the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Everyone is strongly encouraged to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling of fireworks can turn a celebration into a tragedy. They noted that in 2024, 11 fireworks-related deaths were reported, most related to misuse and device malfunction/malfunction. In addition, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks. This represents a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries compared to 2023. Eye injuries are among the most serious outcomes. So, for anyone with residual vision, the risks are particularly high.
5 types of eye injuries from fireworks
the American Academy of Ophthalmology He says fireworks cause nearly 2,000 eye injuries each year, more than half of which are in children. Innocent bystanders and bystanders are injured in about half of the cases, with one in six resulting in severe vision loss. Eye injuries that have been reported include:
1. Thermal burns of the eye – an injury resulting from exposure to high temperatures. These burns damage the eyelids and the delicate outer layers of the eye. This causes severe pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
2. Bleeding in the eye: a blood vessel bursts on the white surface of the eye. Depending on where the bleeding occurs, this may be harmless or a serious medical condition.
3. Retinal detachment– A serious medical emergency in which the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, withdraws and stops working. This causes sudden blurring of vision and can lead to permanent blindness if not treated.
4. Corneal abrasions – a superficial scratch or abrasion on the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye. Full of nerve endings. This injury is usually very painful.
5. Globe rupture – a serious medical emergency in which the tough outer wall of the eye (cornea or sclera) is torn, perforated, or torn. This creates a full-thickness hole, causing the internal contents of the eye to leak out, exposing the eye to infection.
In addition to the eyes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says the head, face, ears, hands and fingers were injured. Burns have been reported as the most common injury.
Eye safety tips when using fireworks
To understand how serious eye injury can be caused by fireworks, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers the following safety tips:
- Stay at least 500 feet away from fireworks.
- Allow trained professionals to light fireworks.
- Do not allow children to handle any fireworks.
- Wear protective glasses.
Additionally, if you find unexploded fireworks, call the police or fire department to dispose of them. Do not touch it or attempt to ignite it.
Care for eye injury from fireworks
Eye injuries caused by fireworks can be scary, but how you respond in the first moment is what matters most. If you or someone you know is injured by fireworks, especially to your eyes, get help immediately. Prevent blindness (PB) He says to minimize damage to the eyes by doing the following:
- Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or worsen the infection.
- Do not attempt to rinse the eye. This can be more harmful than scrubbing.
- Do not put pressure on the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice can to the eye are just two tips. The goal is to protect the eye from further contact with anything, including the hand.
- Do not stop the medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve your pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood and increase bleeding. Go to the emergency room immediately. This is more important than stopping to take painkillers.
- Do not apply ointment. The ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and difficult for a doctor to examine.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
Fireworks Safety Week to prevent blindness
Prevent Blindness wants everyone to be safe this Fourth of July. So they host a Fireworks Safety Week. This national public awareness campaign continues from June 28 to July 4.
Prevent Blindness believes that fireworks should be in the hands of trained and licensed professionals. They support policies that restrict the personal sale and use of fireworks and crackers. This is not to darken the celebration, but to keep it joyful and safe for everyone watching.
Their Fourth of July advice is simple. Head to a city or community-sponsored display instead of a backyard light. For people who are blind or have low vision, this is especially good guidance. You have nothing to lose by skipping the personal fireworks. Instead, you can appreciate the sounds, vibrations, and collective excitement of being surrounded by your community. You can enjoy it without risk.
Along with our blindness prevention program, we at APH ConnectCenter want you to have a wonderful and fun Independence Day celebration. This year let us not only celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, but let us celebrate it safely.
