New Delhi: Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, and celebration, but as an eye doctor, I often see the other side of this joyous occasion eye injuries caused by fireworks. Each year, children are particularly at risk, as they are naturally curious and often excited about the bright colors and loud sounds. Fireworks, particularly sparklers, rockets, and fountains, can cause severe eye injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken. These injuries range from minor irritations to more severe conditions like corneal abrasions, retinal detachment, or even permanent vision loss. While the festival should be celebrated, we must prioritize safety, especially when it comes to protecting our children’s eyes.
“In 2023, Diwali celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana led to numerous cases of eye injuries due to fireworks, the majority of those injured were Kids and teenagers. These incidents highlight the importance of safety precautions, particularly for children, during Diwali celebrations Children are more vulnerable due to their lack of awareness about the risks and their eagerness to get close to the action,” said Dr Sharat Babu, Sharat Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals.
Common Eye Injuries During Diwali
- Corneal Burns: These occur when the eyes are exposed to hot particles or sparks from fireworks.
- Foreign Body Injuries: Small fragments from fireworks can get lodged in the eye, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection.
- Chemical Burns: Some fireworks contain harmful chemicals that can cause eye irritation and burns upon contact.
- Blunt Trauma: Fireworks that explode or malfunction can lead to blunt trauma to the eye, which may result in serious injuries like bleeding inside the eye or fractures around the eye socket.
Tips for Protecting Children’s Eyes During Diwali
As a parent, it is crucial to ensure that children enjoy the celebrations without risking their eye health. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Supervise Children Closely: Children should never handle fireworks without adult supervision. Even seemingly harmless items like sparklers can burn at extremely high temperatures and cause serious damage if mishandled. Keep a close eye on their activities and maintain a safe distance from fireworks.
- Opt for Protective Eyewear: Invest in safety glasses or goggles for your children to wear while watching or handling fireworks. These can significantly reduce the chances of injuries caused by flying debris or sparks. Encourage other children in the neighborhood to do the same, as a collective effort enhances safety.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Ensure that children maintain a safe distance from fireworks at all times. If you are setting off fireworks, designate a specific area where they can watch safely from afar. It is advisable to maintain at least a 15–20-foot distance from fireworks displays.
- Stick to Age-Appropriate Fireworks: Some fireworks are more dangerous than others. Avoid giving young children items like sparklers or rockets, which can easily cause burns or eye injuries. Instead, opt for noise-free and spark-free fireworks that are safe for their age group.
- Avoid Rubbing the Eyes: Teach your children that if any debris or spark gets into their eye, they should not rub it, as this can worsen the injury. Instead, they should close their eyes and alert an adult immediately. Rubbing can cause further irritation and lead to scratches on the cornea.
- Prepare a First Aid Kit: In case of an accident, having a basic first aid kit on hand can help reduce the severity of injuries. Make sure it includes sterile eye wash, bandages, and protective eye patches. In the event of a serious injury, seek medical attention immediately and avoid attempting to remove any embedded objects from the eye.
- Prioritise Professional Help: If a child’s eye gets injured, take them to an eye specialist without delay. Many eye injuries can be successfully treated if addressed early, but delays in treatment can result in long-term damage. As a rule, always err on the side of caution when it comes to eye health.
What to Do in Case of an Eye Injury?
If an eye injury does occur, remain calm and follow these steps:
- Do not rub the eye: This can exacerbate the injury.
- Flush the eye with clean water: If it’s a chemical or debris-related injury, rinse the eye gently with water.
- Cover the eye with a clean cloth: Protect the injured eye until you can seek professional help.
- Seek immediate medical attention: An eye specialist can assess the damage and provide appropriate treatment.
