More than 80 people suffered eye injuries in firecracker-related incidents across Bengaluru over three days, with children accounting for a significant share of cases and several patients requiring hospitalisation or surgery, according to figures reported by hospitals in the city.
Narayana Nethralaya treated 31 people by Monday evening, including 16 adults and 15 children. Of these patients, 30 received outpatient care, while one required surgery. Hospital officials said some people were injured while bursting firecrackers and others were hurt while watching them.
The injuries included cases in which sparks entered the eye and damaged vision. Of the 31 patients treated at Narayana Nethralaya, 23 were injured while bursting firecrackers and eight were hurt while watching firecrackers being set off.
Dr Yathish S., head of the cornea department at Narayana Nethralaya, said children accounted for 48% of the patients admitted with firecracker injuries. “Most patients were treated in the outpatient department, while one required surgery,” he said. The hospital is providing emergency treatment for firecracker injuries around the clock.
Minto Eye Hospital reported 20 firecracker-related cases. Eight of those patients were below the age of 20, while 12 had sustained serious injuries. Four people were admitted to the hospital and two underwent surgery. Seven of the injured patients had been bursting firecrackers, while 13 were watching when the firecrackers exploded.
Shankara Eye Hospital treated 26 people for firecracker injuries, including a three-month-old infant. Firecracker-related cases were also treated at Agarwal Eye Hospital, Nethradhama and Prabha Eye Hospital, as well as at other hospitals across Bengaluru.
The figures from the three named hospitals total 77 cases, while the reported citywide count is more than 80, reflecting additional patients treated at other facilities. The hospital data also shows that people who were not directly bursting firecrackers were injured while watching them, indicating that exposure extended beyond those handling the fireworks.
The reported injuries range from cases managed through outpatient treatment to serious injuries requiring admission and surgery. The presence of children, including an infant, among those treated has added to the immediate safety concern for families and people attending firecracker displays.
Hospitals in Bengaluru continue to provide emergency care for patients reporting firecracker-related eye injuries. The latest reported cases cover a three-day period and include treatment provided up to Monday evening.
