Deepawali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, family, and celebration. Homes glow with diyas, sweets are shared, and fireworks light up the sky. While firecrackers add excitement, they can also pose serious risks to your eyes.
At Mr. Opticals, we care about your vision. Protecting your eyes during Deepawali ensures a bright and injury-free celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about firecracker eye safety.
Causes of Firecracker Eye Injuries
Firecracker injuries often happen due to:
Explosive force of fireworks – Sparks and fragments can travel fast, causing corneal scratches or burns.
User negligence – Holding fireworks too close to your face or not using protective glasses increases risk.
Firecracker malfunction – Even high-quality fireworks can explode unexpectedly.
Reigniting dud fireworks – Relighting can lead to sudden injuries.
Bystanders at risk – People near fireworks can get hit by debris.
Homemade devices – Improvised firecrackers can behave unpredictably.
Types of Eye Injuries from Firecrackers
Fireworks can cause:
Corneal abrasions – Scratches on the eye surface causing redness and pain.
Chemical burns – Exposure to firework chemicals can damage the cornea.
Thermal burns – Heat from fireworks can injure the eyelids and eyes.
Foreign body injuries – Small particles may get lodged in the eye.
Blunt trauma – Severe explosions can cause eye socket fractures or retinal detachment.
Eye irritation – Smoke and chemicals can cause redness and excessive tearing.
Firecrackers Most Likely to Cause Eye Injuries
Some fireworks are riskier than others:
Sparklers – Can burn the eyes if too close.
Exploding firecrackers – Sudden detonation can injure eyes.
Flower pots – Shoot tiny fragments at high speed.
Bottle rockets – Can misfire and hit nearby people.
Aerial shells – Misfires can explode unexpectedly.
Do’s and Don’ts While Lighting Firecrackers
Do’s:
Wear protective glasses or goggles.
Maintain a safe distance from fireworks.
Supervise children closely.
Use open areas away from buildings and vehicles.
Follow firecracker instructions carefully.
Wash hands and face after handling fireworks.
Wear snug, natural-fiber clothing.
Don’ts:
Avoid contact lenses; use protective glasses.
Never relight dud fireworks; soak in water.
Don’t consume alcohol while lighting fireworks.
Avoid illegal or homemade fireworks.
Light one firecracker at a time.
Never enhance sound effects using glass or tins.
Don’t aim fireworks at people or animals.
What to Do in Case of Firecracker Eye Injury
Do not rub your eyes – Can worsen injury.
Rinse with clean water – Use lukewarm water for 15+ minutes.
Protect the eye – Cover with a sterile dressing or paper cup.
Seek medical help immediately – Don’t attempt to remove embedded particles.
Conclusion
Deepawali is a festival of lights, happiness, and celebration. With proper eye safety measures, you can enjoy the festivities without risking your vision. Remember, protect your eyes, celebrate responsibly, and have a safe Deepawali!