Come Diwali, we think of sweets, gifts, colourful attires and bright lights… kids are especially excited about the fireworks – the longer the explosion lasts, the better the impression created on peers.😄

But amidst all this frenzy and festivities, we sometimes forget to cherish the very eyes that make this brilliance possible and bring the festival to life.

This festive season, we are here to help you prevent any discomfort or injury to your precious pair and enjoy the occasion with your loved ones.

PREVENTIVE TIPS

1. Keep safe distance: As simple as it sounds! Use a long match stick or an incense stick to ignite fireworks,  arm outstretched at a comfortable length and retreat from the action zone ASAP.
2. Protective Glasses: They not only shield your eyes from sparks or harmful chemicals and debris of fireworks but also from heat to some extent.
3. Hand Hygiene: After handling firecrackers, educate children to wash hands properly, lest they accidentally rub those chemicals against the delicate eye surface.
4. Quality of Crackers: To ensure safety, go for good quality fireworks from vendors of repute. 
5. Avoid Contact Lenses: Dust and smoke from crackers can cause irritation, so it is better to switch to glasses.
6. Rest: Resting your eyes during Diwali is essential to protect them from the harmful glare of fireworks and the associated smoke. Blink frequently to keep eyes moist and don’t forget to take breaks from the smog to preserve your natural tear film.

EMERGENCY ACTION BLUEPRINT

• In case of itching or irritations or a feeling of foreign particles, do not rub your eyes. This might lead to further damage.
• Try gentle rinsing with water to soothe your eyes and to flush out any residue.
• Do not apply any pressure as it may aggravate the damage.
• Do not self-medicate. Unprescribed drops or ointments may complicate the injury.
• Seek professional help immediately, even if the injury seems minor. 

Sometimes the delay can cause permanent damage. 

As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

DID YOU KNOW?

• According to a research study, children under 15 years are most often affected by firecracker-related eye injuries.
• A hospital-based study published in November 2024 reported that 23 people in Northern India suffered eye injuries from firecrackers during the Diwali festival.
• A hospital-based analysis from Delhi NCR (2002–2010) showed a rise in firecracker-related injuries, with about one case per 100,000 people and 73% of victims aged between 5 and 30 years.

Each year, hundreds of avoidable eye injuries remind us that safety should never take a back  seat. Spread awareness, celebrate responsibly and cherish the joyous moments for years to come.