Impact on the pattern of ocular injuries and awareness following a ban on firecrackers in New Delhi: A tertiary eye hospital-based study

PURPOSE: To review the nature of firecracker-related ocular injuries at a tertiary eye hospital in northern India following the firecracker ban and also to review the level of awareness among the victims. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study involving the patients presenting with firecracker-related ocular injuries from October 18 to 27, 2017 were assessed for demographic distribution, detailed ocular evaluation, and a questionnaire related to the awareness about the injuries. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were observed. Fifty patients (74.5%) were males. This year, a majority of patients were from outside Delhi. Uttar Pradesh constituted the most 38.23% of the patients followed by Haryana 30.88%, Delhi 23.5%, and Bihar 7.35%. Visual acuity varied from 6/6 to no perception of light. Open globe injury was observed in 56 patients (82.35%) who commonly had zone I injury. A significant number of patients (88.23%) were aware of firecracker-related injuries, and a large number of such injuries (58.8%) occurred in those who were not actively involved in the ignition of firecrackers but were in the vicinity. CONCLUSION: This year, following a ban, the number of firecracker-related ocular injuries reported from areas outside Delhi outnumbered as compared to within Delhi. However, firecracker-related ocular injuries are still a major cause of significant visual loss, especially involving the bystanders. Thus, firecracker-related celebrations should be monitored with a stringent protocol.