Firecrackers can cause eye injuries: Ophthalmologists issue warning

With the enthusiasm for bursting firecrackers increasing during the Diwali festival, eye specialists have appealed for caution. Doctors have stated that a moment of negligence while bursting firecrackers can cause anything from a minor abrasion to serious ocular trauma (severe eye injury).

According to a report by The Hindu, firecrackers can cause not only direct injuries but also chemical injuries. M. Elangovan, Director of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital (RIO-GOH) based in Chennai, has provided a detailed explanation regarding the types of firecrackers and the risks associated with them.

According to Elangovan, different types of firecrackers pose different risks. Explosive types of firecrackers are the most dangerous as they throw irregular, small, and forceful particles in all directions. These particles can travel at such speeds that they can strike or embed themselves into any soft surface.

In addition, there is a risk of injury caused by direct heat from firecrackers. For example, the heat emitted from firecrackers like sparklers can cause scars on the cornea or conjunctiva. Furthermore, sudden and close contact with firecrackers emitting bright light can affect the rod and cone cells of the retina, which may result in problems such as bleaching of the eye or temporary blindness.

It is extremely necessary to take precautions in this matter so that the eyes are not damaged during the festival.