Don’t lose sight of safety this Diwali: ophthalmologists caution against eye injuries from firecrackers

An autorickshaw driver suffered injuries when a firecracker he was trying to light unexpectedly exploded, sending splinters into both of his eyes. He had not anticipated it would burst.

As Diwali celebrations light up the skies, ophthalmologists are urging citizens to exercise caution when handling firecrackers and warn that from burns and foreign bodies to retinal injuries and vision loss, the risks are real and significant.

Experts warn that even a moment of carelessness can lead to serious, sometimes irreversible, damage to the eyes. Doctors are calling for greater awareness, safer practices and responsible celebrations.

Dr Anil Dudhabhate of Dudhabhate Netralaya and Retina Centre and consulting eye surgeon at Sinhagad Road cited the case of the 20-year-old engineering student and said it was an unfortunate incident but most of her face has burn injuries and eyelids and inner part of the eye also has been impacted.

Until last year, firecracker-related eye injuries were on the decline, but now a few cases are being picked up and Diwali has just begun, said Dr Aditya Kelkar, director, NIO Super Specialty Hospital.

Citing the case of hte 30-year-old computer professional who injured his right eye while just watching the firecrackers go off as part of the Diwali celebrations on October 17, Dr Kelkar said such was the impact of the injury that his retina is swollen and he can only see up to four feet.

“The 30-year-old man hails from Wai and works in Pune at an IT firm. While watching firecrackers, unfortunately one went off in his direction and injured his right eye. He sustained a deep wound on the eyebrow and the shock waves from that firecracker injury caused trauma to the retina. I am hoping that the hole in the retina closes on its own and that there is a possibility of regaining some vision,” he added.

Dr Jeevan Ladi, director of Dada Laser Eye Institute, referred to the case of the autorickshaw driver and said he had to remove splinters from both his eyes. “We always advise maintaining a minimum distance of at least 3.5 feet from firecrackers to avoid such accidents,” he said.

Dr Dudhabhate also said the wound of the 20-year-old girl may take time to heal but the patient will now have to come for frequent check-ups and take regular and timely medications.

“While this is not suggesting that we should avoid playing with firecrackers but it is vital to ensure that proper precautions are taken,” he added.

According to Dr Kelkar, it is important to wear protective glasses while bursting firecrackers. “If something goes into your eye, do not rub it and avoid self medication. Seek immediate medical attention,” he urged/

Monitoring noise levels

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is monitoring noise levels during Diwali.

Appealing citizens to celebrate a peaceful and eco-friendly Diwali, authorities at the MPCP are monitoring sound levels. The exercise commenced on October 13 and were set to be held on Diwali days of October 20 and 21.

“Data will be collected as part of the survey towards an in-depth analysis of noise pollution caused by firecrackers,” said Balasaheb Kukade, regional officer, MPCB, Pune.

The sites where sound levels will be monitored include Shivaji Nagar (Sakhar Sankul), Karve Road (Nal Stop), Satara Road (City Pride), Swargate, Yerwada (Mental Hospital/Jail Road), Khadki (Khadki Bazaar), Shaniwarwada, Laxmi Road, Saras Bagh, Aundh Village, University Road. Pimpri-Chinchwad: Pimpri (Deluxe Chowk), Chinchwad (Chafekar Chowk), Thergaon (Dange Chowk).