Aravind Eye Care System reports 1,464 crackers-related eye injuries during Deepavali festivities - The HinduUpdated - November 10, 2026 09:47 pm IST - MADURAIAn alarming surge in festive hazards has been brought to light following a comprehensive analysis released by the Aravind Eye Care System, which documented 1,464 patients treated for firecracker-related eye injuries over a strict six-day period from November 4 to November 9, 2026.According to Usha Kim, Regional Director (HR), Aravind Eye Care System, the data paints a troubling picture of public safety, revealing that children bear the brunt of these seasonal accidents, accounting for more than half of all cases.Specifically, 834 patients under the age of 18—representing 57% of the total caseload—suffered ocular trauma, with the 6 to 12 age group emerging as the most vulnerable demographic at 33.8% (495 patients).Toddlers aged 0 to 5 years accounted for another 151 cases (10.3%), while teenagers between 13 and 17 years made up 12.8% of the injured young population, she added.The demographic breakdown further highlights distinct risk patterns among victims, showing that males were disproportionately affected.Out of the total 1,464 patients, 1,125—or 76.8%—were male, compared to 33.2% or 339 female patients.Beyond those actively handling fireworks, passive bystanders face substantial danger; a significant 42.6%, translating to 624 patients, sustained their injuries merely while watching the festivities or passing by.Clinical findings from the medical records detail a wide array of severe ocular complications resulting from the blasts.The most frequently recorded condition was corneal epithelial defect, affecting 345 patients, followed by traumatic hyphema in 133 cases and traumatic iritis in 115 cases.Facilities also treated 102 closed-globe injuries, 65 chemical injuries, 61 corneal abrasions, 59 cases involving corneal foreign bodies, and 40 eyelid burns.R.Kim, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, said, medical teams noted several other critical and sight-threatening conditions, including open-globe injuries, globe perforation, commotio retinae, vitreous hemorrhage, and traumatic cataracts.As these figures underscore the immense toll that celebratory explosives take on community health, the doctors continue to emphasise the urgent need for stricter safety measures and heightened supervision to protect vulnerable bystanders and children.Published - November 10, 2026 09:46 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }