Bengaluru hospitals treat 56 firecracker-related eye injuries in 2 days

Bengaluru: Fifty-six firecracker-related eye injuries were reported by six hospitals in the city between October 31 and November 1. 

The government-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 21 cases of eye injuries, including eight grievous ones. Fourteen victims are children, mostly under 10. One three-year-old was injured by a ‘bijli’ cracker. 

Twelve of the injuries occurred on Thursday and seven on Friday (as of 7 pm). 

Children receive treatment at Minto Eye Hospital on Friday.

Narayana Nethralaya reported 15 firecracker-related eye injuries between Thursday and Friday (as of 11 am). Among the injured is a patient from Andhra Pradesh who was severely injured due to a firecracker blast near their face, resulting in corneal tear. Of the 15 patients, nine are adults and six are children. 

Sankara Eye Hospital reported 12 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries on November 1, of which eight are children and four are adults. Two children have sustained grievous corneal tears. All 12 were bystanders and did not participate directly in bursting crackers. 

Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital reported a total of nine cases, five of whom are confirmed to be children aged 12 or below. 

Shekar Eye Hospital has a total of four cases with a moderate degree of injury.

Dr Rajashekar YL, founder and medical director of Shekar Eye Hospital, said there was a 50% reduction in cases compared to last year. 

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital received seven cases involving three children till now. While four cases have been reported in their Jayanagar centre, three are at the Indiranagar facility. 

Dr Rohit Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Nethralaya, appealed to the public to use protective eyewear and exercise caution while lighting crackers. 

56 cases of violations

The Bengaluru police have registered 56 cases of violations of firecracker regulations in the city from Thursday to Friday (up to 5 pm).

The most were reported in the Northeast division (19); followed by Southeast, Whitefield and North (9 each); East (6); and South (4). No cases were registered in the West division.