Got An Eye Injury From A Firecracker? Here's What To Do – News18

Last Updated:October 24, 2024, 15:10 IST

Diwali 2024: It’s important to understand what to do if firecrackers accidentally injure you or someone close to you, especially in case of eye injury

Firecrackers are the norm in most celebrations and festivities in India, and with Diwali around the corner, it is crucial to know how to handle firecrackers safely. It’s also important to understand what to do if firecrackers accidentally injure you or someone close to you, especially in case of eye injury. Dr. Ashwini Ghuge, Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Borivali shares all you need to know:

What to Do

1. Vision AssessmentClose the non-injured eye and assess whether you can see with the injured eye. Notice if your vision has decreased.
2. Initial ProtectionPlace an eye pad or a clean dressing lightly over the injured eye. This will help in reducing exposure to light and will protect from further injury. Also, it is important to seek immediate medical help for a thorough assessment and treatment.
3. For burnsIf there’s a burn, gently wash the injured eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes. This helps dilute and wash away harmful substances, potentially reducing the severity of the burns. After that, cover the eye with a clean dressing and then reach out to the nearest eye hospital without any delay

Precautions to take

1. Avoid Home RemediesDo not use any home remedies to treat the injury or over-the-counter medications, as they could worsen the situation.
2. No Touching or RubbingRefrain from touching or rubbing the affected eye. This can cause further irritation or injury.
3. Do Not Remove Foreign ObjectsDo not attempt to remove anything stuck in the eye. This could cause more damage and increase the risk of infection.
4. Handling BleedingIf there’s any bleeding, cover the eye with a clean handkerchief or cloth. Avoid applying pressure, as this can lead to further damage.