As Diwali approaches, it’s a time for sweets, celebrations, and gathering with loved ones to rejoice in life’s beauty. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali fills the air with the glow of lamps and the burst of fireworks. However, amidst the joy, it is essential to remember that nearly half of all firework-related injuries each year involve eye damage.
“We often see the consequences of eye injuries during Diwali,” says Dr. Niteen Dedhia of Ojas Eye Hospital, Mumbai. “To keep your eyes safe during the festivities, it’s essential to follow some simple precautions.”
Essential Eye Safety Tips for Diwali
Wear Protective Eyewear Whether you’re lighting fireworks or simply enjoying the display, protective eyewear is a must to shield your eyes from potential harm.
Maintain a Safe Distance Always keep a safe distance from firecrackers and fireworks to avoid direct exposure to sparks or debris that could injure your eyes.
Avoid Sparklers While sparklers may seem harmless, they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious eye injuries. If you use them, keep them at arm’s length and away from your face.
Keep Children Safe Ensure children are closely supervised around fireworks, and educate them about the importance of eye safety.
Diwali Eye Safety Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
Ensure Adult Supervision: Always have an adult supervising children when handling firecrackers.
Use Firecrackers in Open Areas: Light them only in open, well-ventilated spaces.
Purchase from Licensed Dealers: Only buy firecrackers from licensed dealers and trusted brands.
Keep Fire Safety Materials Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or sand nearby to extinguish any accidental fires.
Light with Long Incense Sticks: This allows you to maintain a safe distance during ignition.
Don’ts:
Avoid Self-Treatment: Seek immediate medical help for any injury; avoid trying to treat it yourself.
Keep Young Children Away from Firecrackers: Especially toddlers, as they are more vulnerable.
Do Not Relight Fireworks that Fail to Ignite: Wait a few minutes before approaching a failed firework.
Avoid Holding Fireworks While Lighting Them: Never light fireworks in your hand, and never aim them at anyone.
What to Do if There’s an Eye Injury
In the unfortunate event of an eye injury during Diwali, it’s crucial to act quickly. “Seek medical attention immediately,” advises Dr. Dedhia. Here are some steps to take:
Do Not Rub Your Eyes Rubbing can worsen the damage if there’s an injury.
Gently Rinse with Clean Water If there is a foreign particle in the eye, rinse it gently with clean water—only if there’s no open cut. Avoid using chemicals or eye drops without professional guidance.
Visit an Eye Specialist After initial first aid, consult an eye specialist for a thorough assessment and necessary treatment.
Why Choose Ojas Eye Hospital?
Ojas Eye Hospital is a leading eye care provider in Mumbai, with centers in Bandra West and Kandivali East. For over four decades, Dr. Niteen Dedhia and our team of leading ophthalmic specialists have provided exceptional eye care, serving over 500,000 patients and performing more than 125,000 successful surgeries for patients from over 75 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We offer emergency services and a comprehensive range of specialized eye treatments, including:
Refractive Cataract Surgery
Bladeless and Flapless LASIK
Medical and Surgical Retina
Cornea Diagnostics and Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Squint Correction
General Eye Checkup
Contact Lenses
Dry Eye Treatment
At Ojas Eye Hospital, our motto is simple yet powerful: “The Vision We Promise, We Deliver.”
Wishing You a Safe and Happy Diwali!
From all of us at Ojas Eye Hospital, may this Diwali bring joy, health, and prosperity to your life. May the lamps of Diwali light up your home with happiness, peace, and love.
