Fireworks-Related Eye Injuries

I am writing on behalf of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and California Eye Injury Registry to encourage our fellow citizens to celebrate Independence Day this year by attending public fireworks displays instead of using fireworks at home.

I make this request for the following reasons:

* Approximately 2,000 eye injuries are caused each year by use of consumer fireworks.

* About one-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage, and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness.

* Almost one in 20 fireworks-related eye-injury victims lose all useful vision or require removal of the eye.

* One-fourth of all injuries are inflicted on bystanders.

* Three-fourths of fireworks injuries are to boys ages 13 to 15.

* Sparklers, often given to young children, burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Attending a public fireworks display on the Fourth of July is a safe and patriotic way to honor our tradition of independence, our shared values and our hopes for a healthy future.

JOHN L. DAVIDSON, M.D., Scientific Director, California Eye Injury Registry, Ventura