Clinical Profile and Management of Firecracker-Induced Ocular Trauma: A Hospital Based Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the demographic profile, pattern of ocular injuries, clinical presentation, and management of patients presenting with firecracker-related ocular injuries during festive season in the year 2025 at a tertiary eye care centre.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients presenting with firecracker-related ocular injuries during festive season in the year 2025 to a tertiary eye care centre. Demographic characteristics, involvement as a bystander or participant, type of firecracker, mode of arrival, time interval between injury and presentation, presenting visual acuity, ocular findings, and management were retrieved from medical records and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 57 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 21.8 ± 15.4 years (range, 2.5–60 years), with the highest proportion of injuries occurring in the 11–20-year age group (35.1%). Males accounted for 84.2% of the patients. Bystanders constituted 66.7% of the injured individuals, while 33.3% were active participants. Bijli crackers were the most common type of firecracker involved (24.6%). Most patients (75.4%) presented within 4 hours of injury, and 80.7% presented directly to the tertiary eye care centre. At presentation, 43.9% of eyes had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better, whereas 22.8% had vision between 3/60 and perception of light, and 1.8% had no perception of light. Corneal epithelial defects/abrasions were the most common ocular finding (40.4%), followed by hyphema (22.8%) and vitreous haemorrhage (14.0%). Most patients (86.0%) were managed conservatively, while 14.0% required surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Firecracker-related ocular injuries during festive season in the year 2025 predominantly affected young males and frequently involved bystanders. Corneal injuries were the most common ocular finding, although serious anterior and posterior segment injuries were also encountered. These findings underscore the importance of public awareness, supervision during festive celebrations, and preventive measures to reduce avoidable ocular morbidity associated with firecracker use.