Keep Your Eyes Safe This Diwali : Firecracker Safety Tips Firecrackers are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, but they come with risks, especially to the eyes. Each year, thousands of people sustain eye injuries due to fireworks. Shanthi Nethralaya Eye Hospital, known for its expertise in handling eye emergencies, strongly advises following safety measures to avoid such mishaps. Here’s a complete guide on how to prepare before starting the celebration, what to do in case of an eye injury, and when to seek medical help. Before Starting the Celebration: Precautions to Take Wear Protective Eyewear Always wear safety goggles or even basic sunglasses to protect your eyes from sparks and debris. Ensure children and others around you are wearing eye protection too, especially if they’re handling fireworks. Keep a Safe Distance Maintain a distance of at least 5-10 feet when lighting fireworks. Avoid standing too close to where others are setting off fireworks. Use a Long-Stemmed Lighter Use a candle or long-stemmed lighter to light firecrackers. This gives you enough distance from the cracker to avoid sudden bursts. Have a First Aid Kit and Water Ready Keep a first aid kit handy, especially with saline solution, sterile eye pads, and water bottles. In case of any eye injury, it’s important to act quickly. Having water ready can help wash away particles or chemicals immediately. Ensure Proper Lighting in the Area Always light firecrackers in a well-lit area to avoid accidents. Poor lighting can make it harder to see the direction of sparks or falling debris. What to Do in Case of an Eye Injury If Debris or Sparks Enter the Eye Flush the Eye with Water First, avoid rubbing your eyes as this can cause further damage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been handling firecrackers. Flush the eye gently with clean water. Running water from a tap is ideal. Alternative: Use a Water Bottle If running water isn’t available, grab a clean water bottle. Poke a few small holes in the cap, then squeeze the bottle gently to create a stream of water. Wash your eye thoroughly to flush out any foreign particles. Use Saline Solution If you have saline solution available, use it to rinse your eye. Tilt your head to the side and pour the solution across your eye to wash away any debris. In Case of a Blunt Injury to the Eye (Impact from Fireworks) Do not apply pressure on the injured eye. Blunt trauma can cause internal damage that might not be visible at first. Place a cold compress over the eye to reduce swelling and pain. Use a soft, clean cloth and cold water or ice wrapped in cloth. Seek medical attention immediately. You can visit Shanthi Nethralaya Eye Hospital, where Dr. Shanthi Niketh, a leading Cornea Specialist, can provide prompt and expert care for any serious eye injuries. In Case of an Open-Globe Injury (Cut or Tear in the Eye) If there is a cut or tear in the eye from firecrackers, avoid touching or pressing the area. Do not try to remove any embedded particles from the eye. Cover the eye with a clean, sterile eye pad or soft cloth to protect it until you get medical help. See a doctor immediately, as an open-globe injury requires emergency medical treatment to prevent loss of vision. When to See a Doctor Persistent Pain or Discomfort If the pain continues for more than a few minutes after washing your eyes, it could indicate a deeper injury or foreign particle still in the eye. Blurry or Impaired Vision If you notice blurry vision, double vision, or loss of vision after an injury, this may be a sign of serious internal damage. Visible Cuts, Tears, or Bleeding Any visible tear, cut, or bleeding around the eye or eyelid should be treated as an emergency. Apply a sterile dressing and see a doctor immediately. Excessive Swelling or Bruising Swelling or bruising that doesn’t subside or increases in intensity should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out internal damage. Sensitivity to Light If you develop light sensitivity (photophobia) after an injury, this can be a sign of damage to the eye or retina. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Conclusion Celebrating Diwali with firecrackers is a joyous tradition, but safety should always come first, especially when it comes to protecting your eyes. By taking precautions like wearing protective eyewear, keeping a safe distance, and knowing how to respond in case of injury, you can enjoy the festivities without the risk of injury. Remember, for serious eye injuries, it’s always best to consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage. Stay safe, and make sure to visit Shanthi Nethralaya Eye Hospital if you require expert care for any firecracker-related eye injuries.