Diwali is the “festival of lights”. It is a festival of fun and enjoyment. While the use of firecrackers has now reduced, one must be careful to ensure there is no harm to one’s eyes. The eyes are the second most common site for injuries after hands and fingers. People tend to forget about precautions as they start enjoying the festival.

It is important to maintain a safe distance from the crackers as these have gunpowder. Many cases of injuries occur to the spectators and bystanders who are not actually bursting the crackers. Loose and flowing clothes can be risky. Most people buy Anaar and Chakris which throw flames high in the air. Loose clothes can catch fire easily and are best avoided. Contact lenses are best avoided as these can heat up while bursting crackers. It is best to wear protective glasses. Open spaces are the best place to burst crackers as there is less chance of smoke getting into the eyes. Putting tins or bottles on the crackers can lead to tiny splinters flying and penetrating the eyes. Proper handling of crackers is important to prevent any untoward mishap. Washing the eyes is a must if there is any foreign body in the eye and if there is any chemical falling into the eyes. It is important to emphasize that hands must be washed clean with soap and water after touching crackers or handling rangoli. Hand washing can go a long way in preventing eye problems. If there is an emergency best to get treated for the eye problem.

Dr. Ramesh Murthy from Axis Eye Clinic has been routinely called to treat many such cases of cataracts due to cracker injury, lids trauma, and damaged eyeballs and injuries to children and is an expert in managing these complex cases. Dr. Ramesh Murthy is one of the best cataract surgeons in the city of Pune. He is among the best squint surgeons and the best oculoplasty surgeons in the city of Pune. Dr. Ramesh Murthy is among the best eye specialists in the city of Pune. Axis Eye Clinic is among the best eye clinics in the city of Pune.