The recent Diwali celebrations have been joyous but after the conclusion of the festival a surge in eye hazards and severe eye injuries came to light.
According to Dr. Soham Basak, Consultant Surgeon at Disha Eye Hospitals, over 15 surgical cases have been reported, mostly affecting teenagers and young adults above 21 years.
He further stated, “The severe conditions with which they reported to us are acute uneasiness in both the eyes, redness, swelling and watery eyes, haziness in vision, inflammation, bleeding, rupture of the eyeball, and some with total loss of vision. The use of Carbide Guns has been particularly hazardous, resulting in severe eye injuries.
Dr. Basak warns that the forthcoming Chhat Puja celebrations may lead to more dire consequences if the trend of burning fancy firecrackers continues. “We are afraid of more deem consequences which the addiction towards burning of fancy firecrackers might cause,” he added. The hospital urges citizens to exercise caution and prioritize eye safety during any festive celebrations, especially the ones which involve the massive usage of fancy firecrackers for fun and joy.
Dr Basak suggested a few simple precautionary measures which could help in combating such adverse circumstances. This includes
i. Wearing of protective eyewears during the celebrations.
ii. Maintaining a safe distance from the firecrackers.
iii. In case you get affected, do not to rub your eyes or use home remedies.
iv. If a splinter (or something hot and burning) gets into the eyes, immediately wash with plenty of clean water.
v. Do not cover crackers with glass bottles, tins, boxes, or earthen pots and pans for sound effect or extra impact