The festival season, especially Diwali, fills the air with light and celebration but it also brings a surge in firecracker-related eye injuries. Each year, hospitals across India report numerous cases of eye injury during and after Diwali, often caused by foreign particles, smoke irritation, or direct exposure to fireworks. The eyes are extremely delicate, and even a small spark or particle can cause pain, redness, or lasting damage if not treated promptly. Understanding first aid for eye injuries and knowing what to do immediately can make all the difference.
Firecrackers can harm the eyes in several ways:
● Foreign particles in the eye (dust, ash, or chemicals)
● Superficial burns or chemical injuries from firecracker residue
● Corneal abrasions or scratches from debris
● Eye redness, watering, and burning after fireworks
● Severe injuries like penetrating or bleeding inside the eye or vision loss in rare cases
Even if symptoms appear mild, prompt first aid and medical attention are critical to prevent complications.
What Should You Do Immediately If Something Enters Your Eye During Fireworks?
If you feel discomfort, pain, or irritation in your eyes after bursting crackers or standing near fireworks, follow these essential first-aid steps:
Rubbing can worsen the injury or push the particle deeper into the eye.
If you suspect smoke irritation or a foreign particle, rinse your eye immediately with clean, cool water or sterile saline solution.
a. Avoid using tap water directly as it may contain impurities.
b. Use a clean container or sterile eyewash if available.
This can help naturally flush out small, loose particles.
Do not apply rose water, oil, or ointments without medical advice — these can worsen chemical burns or infections.
If the injury is severe, loosely cover the eye with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to protect it from further contamination.
Visit an emergency ophthalmology department or eye hospital as soon as possible. Firecracker eye injury treatment requires expert care and delaying it can increase the risk of vision loss.
You should consult an eye specialist if you notice:
● Persistent redness, burning, or pain
● Blurry or reduced vision
● Watery discharge or swelling
● Bleeding or visible foreign object in the eye
Early treatment can prevent long-term damage or infections.
To reduce the risk of fireworks-related eye injuries, follow these simple but effective eye safety tips:
● Always wear protective glasses when lighting or watching fireworks.
● Maintain a safe distance from crackers and sparklers.
● Avoid lighting fireworks in windy areas.
● Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
● Keep children supervised and ensure they handle fireworks safely.
After Diwali, it’s common to experience mild dryness or irritation due to lingering smog and smoke. Follow these eye hygiene tips:
● Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
● Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes frequently.
● Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
● Get a routine eye check-up if symptoms persist.
Fireworks bring joy, but even a moment of carelessness can cause lasting eye damage. Knowing first aid for eye injury and acting swiftly can prevent severe complications. Whether it’s a foreign particle in the eye or burning after fireworks, treat it as a medical emergency and seek help from a qualified ophthalmologist immediately.
One of the most important things, is to avoid firecracker bursting during Diwali especially bombs etc. Even if you are tempted to burst crackers, it is better to use those crackers which produces just the colourful lights rather than sound. Firecracker injury can be very devastating for the eyes and can lead to lifelong regret and vision loss. Recently Carbide gun injuries drew attention throughout the country due to its faulty mechanism and poor make.