Firework-related eye injuries in children underscore disparities in ophthalmic trauma

A recent narrative review examining 92 studies from 2019 to 2024 found that firework-related eye injuries remain a significant contributor to ophthalmic trauma (OT) in children.

While assault-, firearm-, and workplace injuries are the most common causes of OT in adult men, and falls or intimate partner violence in women, children are especially vulnerable to trauma from toys, sports, and fireworks. These injuries often lead to serious outcomes, including permanent vision loss.

The review found that OT disproportionately affects individuals from marginalized populations, particularly Black and Hispanic communities, and those with low socioeconomic status or living in rural areas. Unemployed individuals were also more likely to experience OT.

Reference

Khan MMH, Akhlaq A, Khan MJ, et al. Impact of social determinants of health on causes of ophthalmic trauma: A narrative review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2025;S0039-6257(25)00091-8. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.05.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40419165.