Plea to protect eyes from firework debris: Dr Meghana Koorapati

Vijayawada: Dr Meghana Koorapati of Agarwal Eye Hospital has appealed for caution while bursting crackers during Deepavali. Most firework injuries occur during this season have a direct impact on eyes causing serious damage.

Boys in the age group of 3-10 years are high risk for these injuries. Some injuries lead to total loss of vision if severe. Around 61 percent of all firecracker injuries in the country are sustained by paediatric age group. Five percent of total injuries lead to severe visual loss due to intensity of injury, she said.

Some of the tips to follow during the festive celebrations are to be at a safe distance from a firework while watching a majestic display which reduces the possibility of any pieces of debris entering your eye. If you are the one lighting the firework, it is always better to have some form of protection for your eyes, usually in the form of goggles, said Dr Meghana.

If an accident occurs, make sure to rush to the nearest hospital and do not try to remedy the injury at home. Professional eye care is always the best measure to take while in this situation. Keep fireworks away from the face, hair and clothing and maintain a distance of an arm's length while lighting firecrackers, and at least five metres while watching and make Diwali safer, greener and healthier, she added.