- A majority of the victims of accidents involving fireworks are children – and about 50% of the affected usually are bystanders and passersby.
Chennai, 31st October 2021: “Bursting firecrackers claim eight lives and cause burns, eye injuries and breathing problems to thousands of people in India during every Diwali season. Eyes are the second most commonly injured organs of the body, next to hands (and fingers) by firecrackers. Eye injuries can cause anything from mild irritations to irreversible damage to vision or permanent blindness. Hence, there is a need for the public to know the potential dangers of firecrackers, types of eye injuries and methods of first aid in the event of eye injuries,” said Dr Kala Devi R, Senior Ophthalmologist & Zonal Head Clinical Services, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai.
In a press release issued on account of Diwali, Dr Kala also pointed out that a majority of eye injuries happen to the children. And about 50% of the victims of accidents involving fireworks are bystanders and passersby. Lack of adult supervision while children burst crackers, lack of awareness about the risks involved with busting different types of fireworks and not following safety guidelines are some of the major reasons for most accidents.
Dr kala said that the firecrackers can damage eye lids, eyes, and thin bones behind the eyes. Also, there could be bruises around the eyes. Eye injuries are generally classified into two categories: open globe and closed globe injuries. The open globe injuries include penetrating injuries when the particles create entry wounds, and perforating injuries when they leave both entry and exit wounds. Whereas closed globe injuries refer to damages to eyes minus rupture of eyewalls.
The severity of injuries depends on the velocity of the firecrackers or the intensity with which the particles from them hit the eyes. Besides, the presence of harmful chemicals in the gunpowder of the firecrackers can cause chemical and thermal burns in the eyes. There is also scope for injuries of intraocular foreign objects, when the particles of firecrackers get stuck in the eyes. When eyes are exposed to the smoke and fumes it can cause irritability and watering of eyes.
On the first aid to eye injuries, Dr Kala said that when there is an injury to eyes, one should never rub the eyeballs as it may increase bleeding or worsen the injury. One should also not apply pressure to the eyes. Rinsing eyes must be avoided as it can be more dangerous than rubbing eyes. One should never try to remove any particles stuck in the eyes. The best first aid is to irrigate eyes or to flush them continuously with clean water. One should never use eye drops and ointments because they can make it difficult for the doctors to examine the eyes. People should also not take OTC medicines and painkillers. They should not delay visiting ophthalmologists.
He said that almost all fireworks pose threats. Rockets, bombs, and any other projectile fireworks account for a majority of eye injuries. Flower parts and bursting crackers are packed with multiple small particles that travel at high speed after the explosion. These particles can cause physical or mechanical damage to tissues. They could result in retinal complications.
Sparklers, the hand-held fireworks, may appear harmless but they burn at a temperature of upto 1800-degree Fahrenheit which is hot enough to melt gold or glass, and hence have the potential to cause third-degree burns, which destroy two full layers of skin.
Dr Kala emphasized that the supervision of adults is important while children burst crackers. Those who handle firecrackers must wear protective eyeglasses and keep an arm’s length while lighting the crackers. Bystanders should keep at least 5 meters while watching. Since contact lenses are sensitive to heat, it is advisable to remove them and use regular eyeglasses while bursting crackers.