Bystanders more prone to eye injuries as crackers are burst: Docs

Opthalmologists give tips on how to safely celebrate Deepavali

Bystanders and passersby should be more careful than those burning crackers during Deepavali. Seven out of ten cases doctors in Bengaluru attended to in the outpatient department last year involved onlookers.

Dr Arun Samprathi, pediatric opthalmologist at Samprathi Eye Hospital, said that last year he attended to 11 children with moderate injuries. His word of precaution: parents must monitor children when they go out to burst crackers. Bystanders, too, should take due precautions. “Most injuries occur when children try to reignite the crackers. This must be completely avoided. Besides, waring eye gear while bursting crackers is advised,” he added.

If eyes injuries are caused by burns, one can wash eyes with cold water and reach the nearest eye care centre. But open wounds must not be treated at home, he said.

Dr N Veerabhadra Rao, Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon at Bangalore Nethralaya Super Speciality Eye Hospital, agreed that most people who were treated for eye injuries as outpatients last year were onlookers. “If there is an open eye injury or if the wound is bleeding, it is important to bear in mind to rush to the hospital immediately and not even splash water on the wound as it ups the chances of an infection,” he said. “One must wear well-fitting thick cotton clothes during the season and burst crackers in an open area.”

Many eye care centres remain open on festive days to attend to emergencies. “Our hospital will function and those who suffer eye injuries while bursting crackers will be treated free of charge,” Dr Rao added.

Narayana Nethralaya, too, will remain open round the clock and additional staff will be on duty to cater to patients, said K Bhujang Shetty, chairman of the hospital chain. “The longer the chemicals stay in the eye the more harmful it will be. Patients might fear they will have to foot a large bill if they visit private hospitals and hence avoid getting it treated. To avoid this, consultation and primary care would be given free of charge for cracker-related injuries,” he added.

State-run Minto Eye Hospitals in Chamarajpet has issued a circular, instructing its staff to be on duty on Deepavali to attend to emergency cases, if any.

Besides eye injuries, respiratory ailments could also spoil the festival spirit, according to pulmonologists. People need be prepare in advance. Sulphur dioxide goes up at least 200 times the usual during the season, causing such diseases as pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis, said Dr H Paramesh, director, Lake View Hospital. “Those with asthma can take inhalers 15 minutes before bursting crackers and take extra medication, if need be. In case of an attack, one must immediately take two puffs,” he added.