Decades of accidents have taught that fireworks are dangerous. More than 12,000 fireworks-related injuries occur each year, resulting in about 2,400 eye injuries.

The typical victim is a teenager, at home, unsupervised, with a group of friends. They’re playing with fireworks, and chances are one of them will end up in the emergency room with an injury to the head, eyes or hands.

To reduce these preventable injuries, eye doctors across America encourage families to attend local public fireworks displays instead of using fireworks at home this Fourth of July. "As many as 400 Americans lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks injuries," said Dr. Debra Tennen, an eye specialist in Agoura Hills.

Although illegal fireworks, bottle rockets and Roman candles account for the majority of injuries, seemingly harmless sparklers also cause numerous injuries each year. For children under age 5, sparklers account for one-third of all fireworks injuries. Fascinated by the bright sparks, children find these sticks of fire, which burn as hot as 1,800 degrees––hot enough to melt gold––and are irresistible to touch.

"The safest and most spectacular way to view fireworks is through professionally conducted, community-sponsored displays," said Tennen. She can be reached at (818) 707-4277.