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Eye Injuries Caused By Fireworks During Diwali: Fireworks are a dazzling spectacle, often adding joy and excitement to celebrations. However, behind the brilliant lights and booming sounds lies a significant danger, especially to children. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, particularly to the eyes, leading to vision impairment or even blindness. 

“Hospitals in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru report 50 to 100 cases in each city during this period. Studies show that nearly 30-50% of firework injuries involve the eyes, with many victims being children. Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for nearly 65-75% of reported injuries. Many cases involve children being bystanders or mishandling sparklers, which are often mistakenly considered safe but burn at extremely high temperatures.” Dr Shibu Varkey, Medical Director Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital. 

Common Eye Injuries From Fireworks 

Burns and Corneal Abrasions

Sparks from fireworks, even seemingly harmless sparklers, can cause burns to the eyelids and corneal abrasions. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, is extremely sensitive, and even minor injuries can lead to pain, infection, or scarring.

Foreign Bodies In Eye

Fireworks often shoot out debris such as ash, metal particles, or gunpowder, which can land in the eyes. If not treated promptly, foreign objects in the eye can scratch the cornea or lead to infections.

Blunt Trauma

Fireworks that are improperly handled or explode unexpectedly can cause blunt trauma to the eye. The force of the explosion can rupture the globe of the eye, dislocate the lens, or cause retinal detachment, all of which can result in permanent vision loss.

Chemical Injuries

Fireworks contain various chemicals, including potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal. If these chemicals come into contact with the eyes, they can cause severe burns and damage the eye tissues, leading to vision impairment.

Complete Vision Loss

In severe cases, direct impact from fireworks can lead to complete vision loss. This can occur from globe rupture, severe burns, or a penetrating injury that damages the optic nerve or other critical structures of the eye.

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Eye Injuries Caused By Fireworks (Image Credits: Canva)

Ways To Prevent Firework-Related Eye Injuries

Fortunately, many firework-related eye injuries are preventable with proper safety measures and supervision. Here are some steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure their children’s eyes remain safe during fireworks displays:

Supervise Children Closely: Never allow children to handle fireworks. Even sparklers, which are often given to children, can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and cause serious burns. Keep young children at a safe distance, and always supervise older children who may be observing or handling fireworks under adult guidance.

Use Protective Eyewear: Protective eyewear is crucial in preventing injuries. If children are near any fireworks activity, ensure they wear safety goggles made from polycarbonate material, which offers superior protection against impact and heat. Ordinary glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient to protect the eyes from firework-related debris or explosions.

Attend Public Firework Displays: One of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks is to attend public displays organised by professionals. These shows are usually conducted at a safe distance, reducing the risk of injury. Children can enjoy the spectacle without being directly involved in lighting or handling fireworks.

Follow the Safety Instructions: If you must use fireworks at home, always follow the safety instructions on the packaging. Ensure that fireworks are lit one at a time, and never attempt to relight a firework that didn’t go off. Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire or malfunction.

Keep a Safe Distance: Ensure children are kept at a considerable distance from where fireworks are being lit. Even when watching fireworks, children should maintain a safe distance, as unexpected explosions or malfunctioning fireworks can pose a risk.

Dispose of Fireworks Properly: After the fireworks have finished, don’t allow children to touch or approach the remnants, as they may still be hot or contain chemicals that can harm the eyes. Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them to ensure they are no longer active.

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Tips To Prevent Eye Injuries (Image Credits: Canva)

What To Do In Case Of An Eye Injury

Despite the best precautions, accidents can happen. If your child suffers an eye injury from fireworks, immediate action is crucial:

  • Do not rub the eye - Rubbing the eye can cause further damage, especially if there is debris or a foreign object inside.
  • Wash Your Hands- Before touching your eye or doing any first aid, wash your hands properly to prevent bringing any bacteria into contact with the eye.
  • Do not apply pressure - Avoid applying pressure to the injured eye, as this can exacerbate the injury.
  • flush the eye with clean water- If a chemical or debris enters the eye, gently flush it with clean water to remove the irritant.
  • Seek emergency medical attention - Any firework-related eye injury should be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist is critical to prevent permanent damage or vision loss.

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