This Deepavali, prioritising safety should be the priority while bursting crackers, warn ophthalmologists. Here are some do's and don'ts to celebrate a safe festival.
Published Oct 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Firecrackers. (Representational image)
Synopsis: While the use of crackers has reduced over the years thanks to government restrictions and growing environmental consciousness, eye doctors say they still see a worrying number of cases during the festive season. “It’s not just those lighting the crackers who get hurt—over half the victims are innocent bystanders,” the doctor added.
With Deepavali being celebrated from Monday, 20 October, ophthalmologists are urging the public to celebrate responsibly and protect their eyes from preventable firecracker injuries that continue to occur despite stricter regulations and greater awareness.
“What is supposed to be a festival of lights has, in some cases, turned into a festival of darkness,” said a senior ophthalmologist Dr S Shashidhar from Minto Eye Hospital in Bengaluru, referring to patients who suffer temporary or permanent vision loss due to firecracker mishaps.
While the use of crackers has reduced over the years thanks to government restrictions and growing environmental consciousness, eye doctors say they still see a worrying number of cases during the festive season. “It’s not just those lighting the crackers who get hurt—over half the victims are innocent bystanders,” the doctor added.
Firecrackers can cause thermal (heat), mechanical and chemical injuries, many of which are entirely preventable with basic precautions.
Even the newly introduced “green crackers” are not risk-free. These eco-friendly variants, identifiable by the CSIR-NEERI green cracker logo, emit fewer pollutants but still pose dangers to the eyes. “They are less harsh on the environment, yes—but the risk of burns or mechanical injury remains the same,” experts warn.
Ophthalmologists recommend a few straightforward safety practices:
“In Bengaluru, helmets are a household item now. Using one while lighting fireworks is a smart, simple way to protect your eyes and face,” said an ophthalmologist from a leading eye hospital.
Meanwhile doctors from Agarwal Eye Hospital in Bengaluru added that, “fireworks can cause burns, sparks, conjunctivitis, traumatic optic neuropathy and chemical injury to the eyes. Also, they contain heavy metals, charcoal and sulphur. All of these can irritate or cause damage to the eyes if carelessly handled.”
Experts advise against washing or rubbing the eyes after an injury. “Even clean water should not be used to rinse the eye,” they caution. “Simply cover it gently with a clean handkerchief and reach the nearest eye hospital immediately.”
Most eye hospitals in the city maintain special emergency readiness during Deepavali. For emergencies, residents can contact 080-26707176 or 080-26706221 for immediate help.
Dr Rajashekar YL, Medical Director of Shekar Eye Hospital lists out what one should not do in case of an eye injury:
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
