Firework Bans linked to Lower Ocular Trauma finds JAMA Study

In a recent case-control study explored the connection between local legislation on fireworks and the occurrence of vision-threatening injuries. The findings  of this study were published in the Journal of American Medical Association revealed important details about the impact of firework bans on ocular trauma during the Independence Day holiday.

Fireworks are known for their dazzling displays, but the accompanying risks to eye health have been a cause for concern. The study mainly aimed to evaluate the odds of firework-related ocular trauma in areas where fireworks are either permitted or banned.

This analysis was conducted at a level 1 trauma center in Seattle which spanned over eight years from 2016 to 2022. The case-control study involved 230 patients presenting with ocular trauma, with 94 who sustained firework-related injuries. The odds of such injuries were found to be significantly higher among residents in areas where fireworks were legally permitted compared to those living in areas where they were banned (OR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2-3.5]; P = .01).

The study also underscored the higher odds of patients under 18 years (OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.7-5.8]; P < .001) and male patients (OR, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.5-7.1]; P = .004). Also, firework injuries were more likely to be vision-threatening (57%) compared to non–firework-related injuries (40%) (OR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.5]; P = .01).

The study highlights that residents in areas where fireworks are banned may experience a slightly lower risk of firework-related ocular trauma. While the findings imply that local firework bans could contribute to a modest reduction in these injuries, the study team emphasize the need for further studies to identify more effective measures that could help in minimizing the risks associated with fireworks.

Reference:

Harrison, L., Yee, P., Sundararajan, M., Ding, L., & Feng, S. (2023). Local Firework Restrictions and Ocular Trauma. In JAMA Ophthalmology. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.5698