Ravija Patel1, Bipasha Mukherjee2. 1. a Orbit, Oculoplasty, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Services, Sankara Nethralaya , Chennai , India , and. 2. b Orbit, Oculoplasty, Trauma, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, A Unit of Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya , Chennai , India.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify the patterns of ocular injury and to determine ocular morbidity resulting from the use of firecrackers. METHODS: A prospective observational study of all patients presenting with ocular trauma consequent to fireworks usage in a tertiary eye care center in South India over a one-month period around the autumn festival of Diwali. We also reviewed the published literature from around the world reporting ocular injuries due to firecrackers. RESULT: 49 patients were included in the study, out of which the vast majority (40/81%) were males. The mean age was 17 years. Almost an equal number of bystanders (24/48.9%) was affected as compared to people handling the fireworks (25/51%). 13 (26.53%) patients had open-globe injury whereas 33 (67.34%) patients had closed-globe injury. Twenty-two (44.8%) patients underwent surgical intervention. Eighteen (36.7%) patients had final vision less then 20/40 (range = 20/50 to No Perception of Light) with eight patients having no perception of light in the affected eye. CONCLUSION: Unregulated use of firecrackers can lead to significant ocular morbidity, mainly involving children, young males, and even innocent bystanders. A combination of public awareness and appropriate legislative laws should be formulated regarding the use of fireworks to decrease the load of needless blindness on society.
PURPOSE: To identify the patterns of ocular injury and to determine ocular morbidity resulting from the use of firecrackers. METHODS: A prospective observational study of all patients presenting with ocular trauma consequent to fireworks usage in a tertiary eye care center in South India over a one-month period around the autumn festival of Diwali. We also reviewed the published literature from around the world reporting ocular injuries due to firecrackers. RESULT: 49 patients were included in the study, out of which the vast majority (40/81%) were males. The mean age was 17 years. Almost an equal number of bystanders (24/48.9%) was affected as compared to people handling the fireworks (25/51%). 13 (26.53%) patients had open-globe injury whereas 33 (67.34%) patients had closed-globe injury. Twenty-two (44.8%) patients underwent surgical intervention. Eighteen (36.7%) patients had final vision less then 20/40 (range = 20/50 to No Perception of Light) with eight patients having no perception of light in the affected eye. CONCLUSION: Unregulated use of firecrackers can lead to significant ocular morbidity, mainly involving children, young males, and even innocent bystanders. A combination of public awareness and appropriate legislative laws should be formulated regarding the use of fireworks to decrease the load of needless blindness on society.
Authors: Christina Hickey; Christopher Gordon; Karen Galdanes; Martin Blaustein; Lori Horton; Steven Chillrud; James Ross; Lital Yinon; Lung Chi Chen; Terry Gordon Journal: Part Fibre Toxicol Date: 2020-07-02 Impact factor: 9.400