A Study Of Fire Cracker Related Ocular Injury Presenting In Emergency Department At Tertiary Centre In North India

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical profile and assess the severity of the ocular injuries sustained from fireworks in Northern India during festive season of Diwali. Methods: This was a retrospective, hospital based study of patients with ocular injuries sustained from fireworks during Diwali. The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Northern India. Demographic details, type of injury, management and visual status was recorded. Result: There were 23 participants with ocular injuries from firecrackers who presented during the Diwali festival. Majority of the cases were males (n = 21 91.30%). Majority of them were from urban area (n = 13, 56.52%). Majority of the cases (19, 82.60%) had unilateral ocular involvement. There were closed globe injuries in 21 (77.77%) eyes and open globe injuries in 06 (22.22%) eyes. Most of the injuries sustained were confined to the anterior segment in 19(70.37%) eyes. hyphema 8 eyes (29.62%). The posterior segment involvement was observed in 03 cases (13.04%). Conclusion: Ocular injuries from fireworks remain a public health problem. To bring down the incidence of fire work related ocular injuries and morbidity, public awareness, appropriate preventive measures, and government legislation should be properly implemented.