Bengaluru hospitals have reported 72 firecracker-related eye injuries during the ongoing Deepavali celebrations, with several patients suffering serious damage that could lead to partial or complete vision loss, according to hospital data reported by the Times of India.
The cases were recorded at Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar, Sankara Eye Hospital and Nethradhama Super Speciality Hospital. Minto reported 14 cases over three days, Narayana Nethralaya treated 31 patients between November 7 and 9, Sankara recorded 26 patient entries between October 26 and Monday, and Nethradhama reported one serious case.
At Minto, 10 of the 14 patients suffered grievous injuries and four had simple injuries. Four patients were admitted, including two who underwent surgery, while two others remained under treatment in the ward. Doctors said the extent of visual recovery in the serious cases may only be assessed about six months after surgery.
Bystanders accounted for 12 of the 14 patients treated at Minto, highlighting the risk to people who are not directly handling firecrackers. Four cases involved bijili crackers, while other injuries were linked to flowerpots, bombs, Lakshmi crackers and rockets. Dr Suresh Babu, director of Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, said the number of cases was similar to previous years despite awareness programmes in schools and colleges. He said the hospital expected more patients over the following three to four days.
Narayana Nethralaya treated 15 children below the age of 18 among its 31 patients. Twenty-three patients suffered self-inflicted injuries and eight were bystanders. All 31 received medical treatment. Sankara Eye Hospital reported thermal and chemical burns, blunt trauma, corneal abrasions and eyelid injuries. Its youngest patient was a three-month-old infant, while a five-month-old child suffered a self-inflicted burn injury.
One Sankara patient suffered a globe rupture and required evisceration, a surgical procedure involving removal of the damaged eye’s contents, followed by placement of an orbital implant. The hospital said most firecracker-related eye injuries were preventable.
Doctors advised people bursting crackers to maintain a safe distance, use protective eyewear and ensure that children are supervised. They also urged people not to rub or apply pressure to an injured eye and not to use home remedies. Immediate medical attention should be sought after any firecracker-related eye injury, hospital authorities said.
