The Deepavali festivities across Bengaluru have seen a troubling number of firecracker-related eye injuries, with cases being reported by several hospitals in the city from October 29 through Thursday night. As firecrackers are often a key part of the celebrations, hospitals have been kept busy treating children and adults who suffered varying degrees of eye injuries. Health professionals are urging families to exercise caution during the festivities, emphasizing the risks associated with firecrackers.
Minto Hospital documented three firecracker-related cases starting from Tuesday. On October 29, an 18-year-old bystander sustained serious eye injuries due to a cracker burst. The following day, five-year-old Idris Khan was brought in after he was hurt while lighting a cracker in Kanakapura. Medical assessments revealed that he had suffered a full-thickness corneal tear, iris prolapse, and a total hyphema in his right eye. His condition has required immediate medical intervention. On Thursday, another case involving a 17-year-old boy was reported at Minto Hospital. The boy is currently being monitored under conservative management, with doctors closely observing his recovery.
Narayana Nethralaya also handled three cases of firecracker-related injuries during the festive period. Two of these cases, including an incident involving a young girl, were attended to at the Rajajinagar branch. The third case was treated at the Bannerghatta branch. Although the details of these cases were not disclosed, hospital authorities noted that such incidents often involve severe injuries that can require extensive treatment.
Meanwhile, Shekhar Eye Hospital reported two additional cases. A seven-year-old child was admitted on Wednesday night with a corneal abrasion. The injury required pad and bandage treatment to aid in the healing process. Additionally, a 69-year-old individual sought medical attention for an eyelid injury on Thursday, which also stemmed from a firecracker mishap.
At Sankara Eye Hospital near Kundalahalli Gate, three severe cases were recorded. In one instance, a three-year-old girl suffered a corneal injury caused by a firecracker mishap attributed to a third party. A separate case involved a 10-year-old boy who experienced significant damage after approaching a firecracker that had failed to ignite initially. Unfortunately, the delayed explosion caused injuries that have necessitated further evaluation of his retina. The boy’s condition remains serious, with medical professionals awaiting an assessment before determining the next steps. Additionally, an eight-year-old boy was admitted with an iris prolapse, and surgery was performed to address the damage.
Health professionals have highlighted the importance of adult supervision when firecrackers are being handled, especially by children. The risks associated with firecrackers include severe eye injuries that can lead to lasting damage or loss of vision if proper care and safety measures are not taken. Parents and guardians are being encouraged to ensure children handle firecrackers only under close supervision and to avoid any risky or unsafe practices, especially involving homemade or illegal fireworks.
The rise in eye injuries during this festive season has drawn attention to the dangers associated with firecrackers. Bengaluru’s health authorities are appealing to the public to adopt safer practices, urging everyone to prioritize safety for a more injury-free celebration. By taking precautions and remaining vigilant, many of these unfortunate incidents can be avoided, allowing families to enjoy Deepavali safely.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)