The festival of lights called Diwali is a time of joy, festivities and unity. The sky is shining with colourful fireworks – however, in all the brightness, we tend to forget that firecrackers are not always safe, especially to our eyes.
Lack of safety when handling fireworks has resulted in many people sustaining eye injuries during Diwali. You can have a safe and light celebration and not endanger your eyesight with some easy measures.
Why Firecracker Eye Injuries Are Common
Whenever there is Diwali, people tend to burst fire crackers in congested places or keep them too close to themselves or the gathered people.
Fireworks spew out sparks, debris and smoke which can readily get in or irritate the eyes. Even the small sparklers can be dangerous especially when they get too close to your skin or eyes.
Because the majority of these injuries are reported in children or young adults, it has a big socio-economic effect on families and the country apart from cosmetic and functional effects. With few precautions, these injuries and the avoidable blindness caused can be entirely prevented.
Common firecracker eye injuries include:
- Corneal burns from sparks
- Redness and irritation due to smoke
- Foreign body injuries from flying particles
- Infections from touching eyes with unwashed hands
- Globe rupture from close impact of a live cracker
- Concussion injury from a very high speed projectile cracker or high intensity cracker
Understanding these risks is the first step to keeping your eyes safe.
Tips to Prevent Eye Injuries During Diwali Fireworks
It does not mean that you have to have no fireworks to be safe, just use these simple and common sense eye safety rules to keep yourself safe on Diwali:
- Maintain a safe distance: Always remain at least 5–10 meters away from the area where fireworks are being ignited.
- When igniting a firecracker, use a long handle stick/lighter and never bend over the cracker.
- Never ignite the fire cracker in your hand or in a bottle/canister. Always keep a safe distance.
- Utilize protective eyewear: Safety goggles or polycarbonate glasses/sports glasses serve as a barrier and can help prevent severe eye injuries during fireworks displays.
- Supervise minors: Never permit children to ignite firecrackers independently. An adult should always be present.
- Select open areas: Refrain from setting off crackers in narrow streets or congested locations where sparks may easily reach others.
- Do not relight malfunctioning crackers: Wait for several minutes and then immerse them in water before disposing of them properly.
Wash your hands frequently: Refrain from touching your eyes without first washing your hands – this helps prevent irritation and infection.
First Aid for Firecracker-Related Eye Injuries
Accidents may occur even when one is careful. Being able to do what to do right now can make a difference.
Here’s what you should do if a firecracker causes an eye injury:
- Do not rub an eye, no matter how itchy or sore it may be.
- In case of any irritation in your eye, rinse with clean water.
- Do not take home remedies or ointments without medical consultation.
- Do not press the eye.
- Go to an eye specialist as soon as the damage to the eye appears, however minor.
At BaatheyeCare, our skilled ophthalmologists are capable of promptly and safely addressing firecracker burns, corneal injuries, and cases involving foreign bodies.
How Pollution During Diwali Affects Eye Health
Besides the injury, the fireworks smoke and pollution may also produce:
- Redness and burning sensation
- Dryness or watery eyes
- Itchy or irritated eyes
To reduce pain, one can recommend the use of lubricating eye drops (artificial tears), being well hydrated by taking plenty of water, and reducing outdoor time after fireworks.
People who have sensitive eyes or are allergic to others should also wear eyewear as protection when going outside.
Celebrate a Safe and Bright Diwali
It is not only your responsibility to protect your eyes but your entire family should take care of this as well. Educate children on the safety measures during Diwali and have a first aid kit in the house.
Remember, eyesight is precious and cannot be replaced. A few moments of care can prevent a lifetime of regret.
We all should also make a vow to make this Diwali a light, safe and happy day, not an accident or injury day.
Keep safe, keep happy and enjoy a happy Diwali!
