Bengaluru: At least 72 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries have been reported at three major eye hospitals in Bengaluru in recent days amid the ongoing Deepavali celebrations. Several patients have suffered grievous injuries that could result in partial or complete vision loss.The state-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 14 cases in three days, while Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar treated 31 patients between Nov 7 and 9. Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 26 patient entries between Oct 26 and Monday. Nethradhama Super Speciality Hospital reported one serious case.At Minto, 10 of the 14 patients suffered grievous injuries, while four sustained simple injuries. Four patients were admitted, of whom two underwent surgery and two are undergoing treatment in the ward. Doctors said some patients could lose partial or complete vision. Their visual recovery can be assessed only around six months after surgery.Twelve of the 14 patients at Minto were bystanders injured while others were bursting crackers. Bijili crackers accounted for four cases, while the remaining injuries involved flowerpots, bombs, Lakshmi crackers and rockets.Dr Suresh Babu, director of Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, said the number of cases was similar to previous years despite increased awareness programmes in schools and colleges.“People need to wear protective eyewear while bursting crackers. A large number of those injured are bystanders, which is a matter of concern. We have seen 14 patients in three days, and we expect more cases over the next three to four days,” he said.At Narayana Nethralaya, 15 of the 31 patients were children below 18 years. While 23 patients suffered self-inflicted injuries, eight were bystanders. All 31 received medical treatment.Sankara Eye Hospital reported various types of injuries, including thermal and chemical burns, blunt trauma, corneal abrasions and eyelid injuries. The youngest patient was a three-month-old infant. Another case involved a five-month-old child who suffered a self-inflicted burn injury.One patient suffered a globe rupture, requiring evisceration and placement of an orbital implant.A spokesperson for Sankara Eye Hospital said most firecracker-related eye injuries were preventable.Doctors urged people to maintain a safe distance while bursting crackers, ensure children are supervised and use protective eyewear. They also cautioned against rubbing or applying pressure to an injured eye, or attempting home remedies. People should seek immediate medical attention in case of an eye injury, they said.
