LVPEI urges safe Diwali celebrations, cautions against firecracker-related eye injuries
Hyderabad, Nov 4 (TNT) : The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) on Wednesday urged people to follow eye-safety precautions while celebrating Diwali, warning that firecracker-related injuries could cause permanent vision loss.
The institute said firecracker injuries could range from mild irritation and surface abrasions to serious complications such as corneal damage, internal eye bleeding, traumatic cataracts and retinal damage. Children and bystanders were particularly vulnerable to such injuries.
Dr Navya Cherukuri, Consultant Ophthalmologist at LVPEI’s Kallam Anji Reddy campus, said a few simple precautions could help ensure safe and joyful celebrations while protecting the vision of family members and others.
The institute advised people to wear protective shatterproof goggles, maintain a safe distance from fireworks, use open spaces for bursting crackers and ensure close adult supervision of children.
It also recommended keeping buckets of water nearby and avoiding synthetic or loose-fitting clothes while handling fireworks.
LVPEI cautioned against holding firecrackers in hands, bending over them while lighting, relighting unexploded crackers or using containers such as bottles and tins to ignite fireworks.
It also advised against bursting crackers during strong winds.
Regarding eye injuries, the institute stressed that people should not rub, press or massage the injured eye or attempt to remove embedded foreign objects. Ointments, eye drops and home remedies should also be avoided without medical advice.
In cases involving explosions, penetrating objects, bleeding, changes in vision or suspected cuts to the eye, the injured eye should not be washed or manipulated.
It should be loosely protected with a rigid shield without applying pressure, followed by immediate emergency ophthalmic care.
If chemicals enter the eye, it should be flushed immediately with clean running water or saline, followed by urgent medical attention, the institute advised.
LVPEI said every firecracker-related eye injury required prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist, even if the initial symptoms appeared mild.
The institute urged people to consider traditional lamps, LED lights and family gatherings as alternatives to firecrackers and make eye safety an integral part of Diwali celebrations.
For emergency eye care, people can contact LVPEI helplines at 040-68102100, 040-68102848 or 73311 29653.
TNT TS
