During the recent Deepavali celebrations, Bengaluru reported at least 174 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries, with children and bystanders being the most affected. Data from six eye hospitals indicated that 93 of the victims were children. Narayana Nethralaya alone recorded 73 cases between October 31 and November 3, with 35 of those involving children, including 14 aged under 10. Additionally, 37 victims were bystanders, highlighting the risks posed even to those not participating in firecracker activities.
The hospital emphasized the alarming rise in pediatric injuries related to firecrackers in 2024, noting that among the injured children, nine faced serious conditions such as corneal tears and retinal detachments. Many injuries occurred when children were unsupervised, and firecrackers lit from high-rise balconies posed further dangers to nearby individuals.
One case involved a six-year-old boy who approached a partially lit firecracker, leading to a severe eye injury when it unexpectedly exploded. Another incident involved a 33-year-old bystander injured by debris from a flower pot.
Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 54 cases from October 28 to November 3, with 34 cases involving children and 24 involving bystanders. Of these, 25 were classified as grievous. At Sankara Eye Hospital, 14 out of 18 cases involved children, with five in critical condition. Shekar Eye Hospital treated 14 cases, including five children.
In addition to eye injuries, medical experts raised concerns about respiratory issues linked to firecracker pollution, which can exacerbate conditions in vulnerable populations. Dr. Nagaraja C, a pulmonary medicine specialist, warned that increased respiratory illness could manifest days after the festival, urging the elderly and children to stay indoors during high pollution periods.
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