Amid the sparkle of Deepavali, ophthalmologists sound a note of caution

While firecrackers can cause direct eye injuries, there are chemical injuries as well, doctors say. Image used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B The sound of firecrackers filling the air is not far away as Deepavali draws closer. But the excitement of bursting firecrackers comes with a word of caution from ophthalmologists as they warn that a moment of carelessness can cause eye injuries ranging from minor abrasions to severe ocular trauma.M. Elangovan, director, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital (RIO-GOH), Chennai, said that there are different types of crackers. “Bursting types (explosive crackers) will produce irregular, small and forcible particles in all directions and are the most dangerous. These particles can travel at such a velocity that they could hit or penetrate any soft surface. Then, there is direct heat injury caused by crackers such as sparklers that can cause scar formations in the cornea or conjunctiva due to the heat generated. Sudden and close exposure to bright light-emitting crackers can also cause bleaching or temporary blackout due to the impact on the rod and cone cells in the retina,” he explained. Published - November 06, 2026 10:24 am IST