Diwali firecracker burns and eye trauma: Ophthalmologist reveals first aid that helps save vision
New Delhi: Firecracker burns and eye injuries top the list of medical emergencies during Diwali. Burns on the hands, face and upper limbs get attention quickly because they are visible, but eye trauma shows no obvious signs, so people ignore it until complications arise. Delayed treatment can lead to long-term vision loss, and even a minor-looking eye injury can threaten sight. Smoke and blasts can also leave people struggling to breathe.
In a communication to News9 Digital, Dr Uttama Ghosh, Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon, Apollo Clinic, Bengaluru, explains the types of eye injuries, first aid, burn care and prevention briefly. Read here in detail.
Firecracker eye injury first aid
Eye injuries from firecrackers range from minor irritation and corneal abrasions to corneal and scleral tears, traumatic cataract, an intraocular foreign body, bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, globe rupture and even glaucoma. Dr Ghosh says that even a seemingly minor injury can be vision-threatening, and that delayed treatment can end in permanent visual impairment or blindness. According to her, prompt evaluation is necessary, and immediate first aid can improve the outcome dramatically.
Dr Ghosh advises against rubbing or pressing the injured eye, as this causes more damage. She says severe pain, blurred vision, blood in or around the eye, an object stuck in the eye, burns on the eyelid or face and double vision need immediate medical attention. If particles enter the eye, gentle flushing with clean water may help, but any penetrating injury or severe pain needs urgent assessment by an ophthalmologist. Her reminder is: stop, cover, go.
Firecracker burn treatment
Dr Ghosh explains that burns usually affect the hands, face and upper limbs, often while people light crackers or handle fireworks. Visible burns draw attention faster than other injuries, which is why eye trauma without visible symptoms is often underestimated.
She says a burn should be cooled under clean, running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Ice, toothpaste, butter, oils and traditional remedies should never be applied, as they can worsen tissue damage and raise the risk of infection. According to the doctor, basic first aid can handle minor superficial burns, but burns on the face, eyes, hands or genitals, over large areas of the body or reaching deep tissue layers need immediate medical evaluation. She also lists difficulty breathing after exposure to smoke or explosions as another emergency seen at this time.
Diwali firecracker safety tips
Dr Ghosh calls prevention the best protection against firecracker accidents. She advises that children should never handle crackers without close adult supervision, and everyone should wear protective eyewear and keep a safe distance from fireworks. Crackers should be lit in an open space, and failed ones should not be relit, she adds.
The doctor lists persistent eye pain, redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, swelling, sudden loss of vision and double vision as warning signs. She notes that follow-up visits are often needed, since corneal scarring, cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment can develop later as long-term complications.