Ocular Fireworks Injuries and Blindness: An Analysis of 154 Cases and a Three-State Survey Comparing the Effectiveness of Model Law Regulation

Abstract

154 detailed ocular fireworks injuries in 143 patients are summarized. One half of these injuries were the result of bottle rockets. The most common injuries were corneal abrasion, hyphema, and lid burns or lacerations. Thirty percent of these injuries resulted in permanent damage with visual loss, and 14% suffered lacerated globes. Three quarters of these severe injuries were the results of bottle rockets. The incidence and severity of ocular fireworks injuries in this study are higher than other, large series. While states that outlaw fireworks except for public display (so-called “Model Law”) still have injuries, the incidence is greatly reduced, and the injuries are less severe.