Diwali – A Festival of Light and Care
Diwali brings joy, laughter, and the sparkle of lights — it’s truly one of the most beautiful times of the year.
But as an eye doctor, I also see another side of this celebration. Every year, right after Diwali, my clinic fills with patients suffering from eye injuries caused by firecrackers — many of which could have been prevented.
If you or your loved ones are planning to celebrate with fireworks this year, please take a few minutes to read this guide. It might just protect someone’s eyesight.
Why Firecracker Injuries Are More Dangerous Than They Seem
You might think, “It’s just a small spark, what’s the harm?”
The truth is — firecrackers burn at over 1,000°C. That’s hotter than boiling water or your kitchen oven!
Even a tiny spark can burn or damage the delicate surface of your eye in seconds.
Your cornea — the transparent layer in front of your eye — is thinner than a sheet of paper.
When a burning particle hits it, it can:
- Leave a permanent scar
- Get stuck inside the eye
- Or, in severe cases, cause partial or complete vision loss
And the worst part? Sometimes the pain isn’t immediate, so people delay treatment — which can make things worse.
What the Research Says
A study published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology found the following:
- 87% of injured patients were men
- 55% were bystanders, not even lighting the crackers
- 90% had closed-globe (surface) injuries
- 1 in 3 needed surgery
- 15% suffered some permanent vision loss
The takeaway is simple:
👉 You don’t have to light crackers to get injured — even standing nearby can be risky.
And the sooner you reach an eye doctor, the better your chances of full recovery.
What Happens When Sparks Hit Your Eye
When a firecracker spark or tiny bit of debris hits your eye, several things can happen:
- Burns: The surface of your eye can get scorched, leading to pain and blurry vision.
- Foreign particles: Tiny bits of metal or gunpowder can stick to your eye.
- Chemical burns: Firecracker chemicals can react with moisture in your eye and cause deeper burns.
- Shock damage: Loud blasts can injure deeper parts like the retina, even without contact.
Some injuries heal with medication. Others may need surgery.
But the key is to get help immediately — don’t wait to “see if it gets better.”
What To Do Immediately After an Eye Injury
✅ Do This:
- Stay calm and don’t rub your eye. Rubbing can make the injury worse.
- Rinse gently with clean water or saline for a few minutes. Tilt your head so the water flows from the inner corner outward.
- Cover the eye lightly with a clean cloth or gauze. Don’t press on it.
- Keep both eyes closed. This helps reduce movement and pain.
- Go to the nearest eye hospital immediately. Don’t delay treatment.
❌ Don’t Do This:
- Don’t try to remove anything stuck in your eye.
- Don’t apply ointments, rose water, milk, or any home remedies.
- Don’t wait just because “it doesn’t hurt much.” Pain doesn’t always match the seriousness of the injury.
What Happens at Aggarwal Eye Hospital
At Aggarwal Eye Hospital, eye emergencies are treated immediately.
Here’s what we do:
- For minor burns or scratches, we clean the eye and prescribe antibiotic and soothing drops.
- For foreign particles or deeper injuries, we carefully remove them under a microscope.
- For serious cases, like open-globe or retinal injuries, surgery may be required immediately.
Most patients recover well if they come early.
But in severe cases, even the best treatment can’t fully restore vision — that’s why prevention matters most.
Eye Care After Treatment
Once your treatment begins, follow these simple rules to help your eyes heal properly:
- Use your eye drops exactly exactly as directed.
- Don’t touch or rub your eye, even if it itches.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against light and dust.
- Attend all follow-up appointments — some problems show up later.
- Don’t use over-the-counter drops unless your doctor advises them.
Preventing Eye Injuries This Diwali
Protect your eyes and your loved ones with these easy safety tips:
- Stay 10–15 feet away from anyone lighting firecrackers.
- Always wear protective eyewear — clear goggles work great.
- Supervise children closely — never let them light crackers alone.
- Avoid lighting crackers in crowded or windy areas.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby — for safety and quick eye rinsing if needed.
And remember, Diwali isn’t about noise or fire — it’s about light, joy, and togetherness.
Celebrate safely with diyas, rangolis, sweets, and laughter instead.
A Doctor’s Message This Diwali
Every year, I see parents filled with regret and fear, saying, “I wish we’d been more careful.”
Some injuries heal, some don’t — but every single one can be avoided.
At Aggarwal Eye Hospital, we are always here for you — day and night — but we’d rather see you celebrating safely than treating you in pain.
This Diwali, make a promise:
Celebrate with care.
Keep a safe distance from fireworks.
Protect your eyes — they’re precious and irreplaceable.
Have a safe, bright, and happy Diwali!
