Abstract

Study Design: Multicentric retrospective study
Purpose: To analyze the pattern of firecracker injuries during and after the COVID 19 lockdown.
Methods: Data of patients presenting with firecracker injuries during Diwali through 2020 to 2022 at 5 tertiary eye hospitals were collected and their demographic profile, injuries and visual acuity were analyzed.
Results: A total of 1005 patients were analyzed. There was a male preponderance among the victims (p<0.001) and majority were teenagers. A statistically significant increase in the number of firecracker ocular injuries from 2020 to 2022 (p<0.001) was noted. Epithelial defects were the most common injury, while open globe injuries increased post lifting of restrictions. The number of patients with a presenting visual acuity below 6/60 also increased in the year 2021 and 2022.
Conclusion: In this study we use the observations made during the COVID 19 lockdown to propose guidelines for sale and use of firecrackers in our country.

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