Health · Public Health & Disease · 5 hrs ago
Doctor urges eye protection and prompt care during Diwali firecracker use
Diwali firecrackers can injure both users and bystanders, causing burns, eye irritation and, in severe cases, lasting vision loss.
Dr Supriya Sringanesh of Nethradharma Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bengaluru says her hospital sees about 25 to 30 firecracker-related eye injury cases daily during the Diwali season.
Some injuries involve burns, objects entering the eye or penetrating wounds, and damage may not be visible from outside.
People lighting firecrackers or standing close by should wear shatter-resistant protective goggles, not ordinary glasses or sunglasses.
They should avoid homemade devices and carbide guns, and never approach or relight a firecracker that has failed to go off.
After an injury, seek medical attention promptly, even if it seems minor, and do not rub the eye, remove an embedded object, or apply drops or ointment before an examination.
Dr Supriya Sringanesh urged people to protect their eyes and seek prompt medical care during Diwali firecracker use.
Firecracker sparks and nearby explosions can injure both people lighting them and bystanders.
Injuries can include burns, corneal abrasions, penetrating injuries and foreign bodies, with some posing a risk of permanent vision loss.
Sringanesh said her hospital sees approximately 25–30 firecracker-related eye injury cases each day during the Diwali season.
She advised people not to rub an injured eye, remove lodged objects or delay medical attention.
- Who
- Dr Supriya Sringanesh, executive director of Nethradharma Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, gave the advice.
- What
- She urged people to use eye protection around firecrackers and seek prompt care for injuries.
- When
- During the Diwali season.
- Where
- Bengaluru; the advice concerns firecracker use during Diwali.
- Why
- Firecrackers can cause eye injuries, including injuries that risk permanent vision loss.
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- Daily cases
- Approximately 25–30 firecracker-related eye injury cases during the Diwali season
- Hospital
- Nethradharma Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru
- Protective eyewear
- Shatter-resistant polycarbonate glasses or protective goggles
- Risks
- Burns, corneal abrasions, penetrating injuries and foreign bodies in the eye
What people are saying
We have been attending to approximately 25–30 firecracker-related eye injury cases every day during the Diwali season. These include burns, penetrating injuries and foreign bodies in the eye, often caused by malfunctioning or relit firecrackers, with some cases carrying the risk of permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. It is therefore important to seek immediate medical attention even if an injury appears minor, as internal damage may not be visible externally.