World · South & Central Asia · 5 hrs ago
Chennai hospitals treat dozens of eye injuries after Deepavali fireworks
After Deepavali celebrations in Chennai on November 8, hospitals treated dozens of people with eye injuries from firecrackers.
The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital saw around 50 cases, while other city hospitals also reported many injuries.
Some patients needed admission or surgery, though many injuries were minor and treated without an operation.
The cases involved adults and children, and doctors said bystanders can also be hurt.
Fireworks can cause serious damage when they explode near someone’s face or eyes.
Doctors urged people to wear protective eyewear, supervise children and keep a safe distance from fireworks.
Anyone with an eye injury should seek medical care immediately and should not try to touch the eye or remove an object themselves.
Chennai hospitals treated dozens of people for eye injuries linked to firecrackers during the Deepavali period.
The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital received around 50 cases, and about 10 patients were admitted.
Sankara Nethralaya saw 45 firecracker injury cases over the Diwali weekend, with two patients undergoing wound repair surgery.
Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital treated nearly 20 patients, including one serious case taken up for surgery.
Doctors urged people to use protective eye gear, supervise children and seek medical care immediately after an eye injury.
- Who
- Patients with firecracker-related eye injuries in Chennai, and the hospitals and doctors treating them.
- What
- Hospitals reported dozens of eye injury cases during the Deepavali period. Some patients required admission or surgery.
- When
- Deepavali fell on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Hospitals reported cases over the Diwali weekend and preceding days.
- Where
- Chennai, India.
- Why
- The injuries were related to firecrackers used during Deepavali celebrations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Deepavali fell on Sunday, and fireworks were part of celebrations in Chennai.
Sankara Nethralaya’s emergency clinic saw 45 firecracker injury cases.
Two Sankara Nethralaya patients were scheduled for surgery.
- Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital
- Around 50 cases; about 10 patients admitted
- Sankara Nethralaya
- 45 firecracker injury cases over the Diwali weekend
- Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital
- Nearly 20 patients treated
- Rajan Eye Care
- About 15 patients seen over the past three days or so
- Deepavali
- November 8, 2026
What people are saying
Come to a doctor immediately if there is an eye injury.