Bengaluru has reported 56 firecracker-related eye injuries across six hospitals between October 31 and November 1, highlighting concerns about safety during the festive season. The government-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital documented 21 cases, including eight severe injuries, with 14 victims being children, mostly under the age of 10. A notable incident involved a three-year-old injured by a ‘bijli’ cracker.
Narayana Nethralaya recorded 15 injuries, among which was a severe case from Andhra Pradesh involving a corneal tear caused by a firecracker blast near the patient’s face. Sankara Eye Hospital treated 12 injuries on November 1, with eight children affected, two of whom suffered grievous corneal tears. Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital reported nine cases, five of which involved children aged 12 or younger, while Shekar Eye Hospital recorded four cases with moderate injuries. Dr Rajashekar YL noted a 50% reduction in such incidents compared to the previous year.
Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital reported seven cases, three involving children. Dr Rohit Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Nethralaya, urged the public to wear protective eyewear and exercise caution when handling firecrackers.
In addition to the injuries, Bengaluru police registered 56 violations of firecracker regulations from Thursday to Friday, with the highest number occurring in the Northeast division (19 cases), followed by Southeast, Whitefield, and North (9 each), East (6), and South (4). No violations were reported in the West division.
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