Spectrum of Ocular Firework Injuries in Children: A 5 Year Retrospective Study during a Festival Season Attending Tertiary Healthcare Referral Centre

Dr. Chirag Banker, Dr. Mansi Gondaliya

Abstract: Ocular trauma is a major cause of acquired monocular blindness in children. Firework injuries account for 20 % of ocular trauma, can result in considerable ocular morbidity and lead to permanent blindness. This is an avoidable cause of blindness. The purpose of our study was to document the profile of ocular firework injuries in children during the festive season of Diwali and to determine the prevalence of unilateral blindness in them. Awareness needs to be created, and changes in policy regarding sales and handling of firecrackers including mandatory use of protective eyewear should be considered.

Keywords: Firework injury, ocular firework injury, unilateral blindness, Festival season, Legislation