PGI Chandigarh warns against firecracker-related eye injuries

Diwali celebrations often bring an increase in firecracker-related injuries, particularly those affecting the eyes, prompting eye care specialists to highlight precautions against potential vision damage.

Firecracker injuries can cause corneal abrasions, lacerations, intraocular foreign bodies and globe rupture, potentially resulting in moderate to severe vision loss, according to the advisory issued in the public interest by an eye care specialist.

The advisory recommends maintaining a safe distance of 6 to 8 feet while lighting or watching fireworks and wearing protective goggles to guard against sparks and debris. Children should always be supervised and never allowed to burst crackers alone.

It also advises using open spaces away from houses, vehicles, and dry grass, keeping water, sand, and a first aid kit readily available, and wearing cotton clothes instead of synthetic ones. People should wash their hands thoroughly after handling firecrackers.

The advisory cautions against looking directly at lit or misfired crackers, relighting unexploded firecrackers, throwing crackers towards others or lighting them near the face. It also recommends avoiding contact lenses while bursting crackers.

In case of an eye injury, people should avoid rubbing the affected eye or applying pressure. The advisory recommends covering the eye lightly with a clean cloth or shield and immediately reaching the nearest ophthalmologist.

It further warns against applying ointment or rinsing an injured eye in case of a burn, advising immediate medical attention instead.

The precautions aim to prevent avoidable eye injuries and help ensure safer Diwali celebrations.