Doctor warns of firecracker eye injuries this Diwali, lists precautions

Diwali brings an atmosphere of joy to homes. People light lamps, decorate their houses, eat sweets and burst firecrackers. The festival of lights brings families and friends together. But in the excitement, the dangers of firecrackers are often overlooked. Serious eye injuries are said to account for a large share of firecracker accidents during Diwali, and eye injuries from firecrackers appear to be rising gradually every year.

Dr Vandana Jain, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Clinical Services at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, said: "Diwali is a time of joy and celebration, yet eye safety should not be ignored in the excitement. Eye injuries from firecrackers can range from minor irritation and burns to serious injury that permanently affects vision. Adults should always keep watch on children, firecrackers should be burst only in open spaces, and everyone should keep a safe distance. If an eye is injured, do not rub it and do not try home remedies; seek medical help immediately. With a little care, the joy of Diwali can stay safe and enjoyable for everyone."

The eye is one of the most delicate organs of the body. Even a tiny spark or particle from a firecracker can cause serious damage to it. The risk is not only to the person bursting the firecracker but also to those standing nearby.

The information released describes common eye injuries during Diwali. These include corneal abrasion, caused by small firecracker particles, ash or sparks striking the transparent outer layer of the eye, which can lead to pain, redness, watering and sensitivity to light. The high pressure of a blast can severely damage structures inside the eye and rupture the eyeball. Hot sparks or flames can burn the eyelids, eyelashes and the surface of the eye. Heat or chemicals can also injure the thin membrane covering the white of the eye (the conjunctiva).

If dust, ash, firecracker residue or particles thrown up by a blast enter the eye, they can cause irritation and other serious damage. The eye's delicate blood vessels can be damaged by a blast, causing bleeding inside the eye. A powerful blast can severely damage the retina, risking blurred vision or permanent loss of sight. If material from firecrackers with a high chemical content gets into the eye, it can cause irritation or a burn injury.

For prevention, the information says firecrackers should be burst in open spaces, protective gear should be used, and hands should be washed with clean water after handling firecrackers. A hand's length should be kept while lighting a firecracker, and at least five metres' distance while watching it. Firecrackers should not be held near the face, and people should not lean over them to look. Contact lenses should be removed before going out, synthetic clothes should not be worn, and proper footwear should be worn.

Used firecrackers should be soaked in a bucket of water until completely spent before being thrown away. Firecrackers should be kept away from the face, hair and clothes. A bucket of water and a bucket of sand should be kept nearby in case of sudden fire. Firecrackers should be stored in a closed box, out of the reach of children. A firecracker that has not gone off should not be picked up, as it can suddenly ignite. People should not go near it immediately or try to relight it. After handling firecrackers, the eyes and face should be washed thoroughly with clean water, and children should not be allowed to burst firecrackers without adult supervision.

Immediate medical help is advised for an eye injury. Even so, some initial steps are described as useful in protecting vision. If smoke, dust or ash causes irritation, do not rub the eyes, as this can worsen the irritation and the injury. Rinse the eyes with clean water for at least 20 minutes, and consult a doctor if the irritation does not ease. Do not touch the eyes without washing hands thoroughly. Do not try to remove a particle or foreign object from the eye yourself. Do not use any ointment, eye drops or home remedy without a doctor's advice.

If an object is suspected to have entered the eye or the eye may have been punctured, do not wash or press the eye. Place a rigid protective shield over the eye without applying any pressure on it, and seek emergency medical help immediately. Even if the injury seems minor or vision seems normal, help should not be delayed. If symptoms such as pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or constant watering appear after a firecracker accident, get checked by an eye specialist immediately.