Chennai sees dozens of cracker-related eye injuries; doctors call for caution

Fireworks light up the night sky as part of Deepavali celebrations in Chennai city on November 8, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj The day may have been wet, but Chennaiites still went all out to bring in light and sparkles on Deepavali day, which fell on Sunday (November 8, 2026). While awareness about safety has increased, ophthalmologists in the city have once again called for caution and reiterated protective measures, as they have received dozens of cases of cracker-related injuries.The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital received around 50 cases, with about 10 cases having to be admitted, a senior official said.The emergency clinic at Sankara Nethralaya, over the Diwali weekend, saw 45 cases of firecracker injuries at its main campus. Two underwent wound repair surgery, while two others are scheduled for surgery on Monday, November 9, according to T.S. Surendran, its chairman.At Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, nearly 20 patients came in with cracker-related injuries, said S. Soundari, regional head, clinical services. One of these, she explained, was a very serious case that had been taken up for surgery. Another patient lit a firecracker, but it did not blast. He went near it to take a look, and it blasted in his face, injuring both eyes. The remaining injuries were mostly small, and would be treated medically, she said. Four cases involved children; the rest were adults, mostly in their 30s and 40s.At Rajan Eye Care, about 15 patients have been seen over the past three days or so, said Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director of the hospital. One patient had to undergo a surgery, while minor injuries were treated as outpatients. Doctors have reiterated caution. Dr. Soundari called for wearing protective eye gear while bursting firecrackers, supervising children properly, and importantly, not trying to touch the eye or take objects out by oneself. “Come to a doctor immediately if there is an eye injury,” she stressed. Dr. Rajan noted that bystanders often got hurt and should be careful to maintain an adequate distance.. Published - November 09, 2026 05:28 pm IST