In the aftermath of the Deepavali festival, ophthalmologists in Chennai reported a notable increase in firecracker-related eye injuries. Although such incidents tend to rise during festive periods, medical professionals emphasize that eye trauma occurs year-round, necessitating ongoing awareness regarding eye safety.
Dr. S. Soundari, the regional head of clinical services at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, stated, “The most common eye injuries we encounter are foreign bodies in the cornea, primarily affecting motorists. Construction workers are also frequently seen with iron or dust particles in their eyes. Additionally, we receive monthly cases of young students suffering from pencil-related injuries that have resulted in corneal tears, mostly among primary school children.”
Dr. Nisar Sonam Poonam, an Orbit and Oculoplastic Surgeon at Sankara Nethrayala, noted that corneal foreign bodies, abrasions, and eyelid lacerations are prevalent injuries. “Although many riders wear helmets, they often leave the visor up, allowing dust or foreign objects to enter the eye. The instinct to rub the eye should be avoided. If a foreign body is present, do not attempt removal. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent discomfort, watering, redness, or blurred vision,” she cautioned. Rubbing the eye could lead to complications, including the object becoming embedded, resulting in serious infections and potential vision loss.
Dr. Soundari further highlighted the risks faced by homemakers and domestic helpers, who often present with chemical injuries from household cleaning agents. “While it”s infrequent, we also see students sustaining chemical injuries while working with substances in school and college labs. It is crucial to promote the use of protective eyewear in such environments,” she explained. In addition to these injuries, reports indicate at least one shuttlecock injury every two months, which can lead to severe complications such as closed globe injuries and lens subluxation.
During this year”s Deepavali, hospitals treated a steady stream of patients suffering from eye injuries caused by firecrackers. “This time, we saw 22 patients with cracker-related injuries, of which three required surgical intervention, while the remainder had less severe injuries. Thankfully, none of the cases resulted in vision loss,” Dr. Soundari remarked.
Firecracker-related injuries can vary from minor burns to serious injuries that may lead to ruptured eyeballs and vision impairment. Dr. M.R. Chitra, director in charge of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital, emphasized that bystanders are often at risk as well. “Accidents can occur when crackers are lit while held in hand, leading to severe eye damage due to their proximity. Many injuries involve bystanders, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance when using firecrackers,” she stated.
Workplace injuries are also a significant concern, particularly in industries such as construction, where tools can become dislodged and cause eye damage, or iron particles can lead to injuries. Dr. Chitra mentioned that cases of ocular trauma often arise from assaults and road traffic accidents as well. In instances of chemical injuries, rinsing the eyes with water is advised, while other injuries require immediate ophthalmic care.
Injuries from blunt trauma, including black eyes, sub-conjunctival hemorrhages, and other complications, frequently present in emergency settings. Dr. Nisar added that animal bites causing eyelid injuries are also common among both children and adults. Given the prevalence of workplace injuries, the use of protective gear is essential to ensure the safety of workers, particularly in high-risk environments.
