AIIMS Reports Sharp Rise in Firecracker and Carbide Gun Related Eye Injuries During Diwali

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences  New Delhi reported 190 cases of firecracker and carbide gun related eye injuries during this year’s Diwali celebrations, marking a 19 percent increase compared to last year.

Experts from the Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences shared the findings during a press conference, noting that in 2024, 160 patients were treated for similar injuries during the 10 day Diwali period.

The country’s leading national referral institute for ocular trauma recorded a worrying spike in firecracker related eye injuries, with carbide based firecrackers emerging as a new and dangerous trend. Of the total 190 cases, 18 to 20 injuries were caused by carbide guns, the experts said.

“A disturbing trend this year has been the rise in severe chemical burn like injuries linked to carbide based firecrackers,” the experts noted. “These home assembled devices produce acetylene gas when mixed with water, triggering violent explosions and releasing metal hydroxide fumes.

The blasts have caused severe chemical and thermal damage to the eyes, often leading to permanent corneal scarring and irreversible vision loss,” they added, urging strict regulation and prohibition of such hazardous devices.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court permitted the limited sale and use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi NCR. However, experts pointed out that enforcement was weak.

“Despite the restrictions, firecrackers were easily available in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, leading to cross border circulation and widespread non compliance,” they said.

On Diwali day alone, 97 people (51 percent) sustained eye injuries. Forty four percent of these cases were from Delhi NCR, while 56 percent came from nearby regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Around 60 children required eye surgery at AIIMS.

“We did not expect this many cases compared to the last two years,” said Dr Namrata Sharma from the RP Centre. “Previously there was a cracker ban, but since it was lifted this year, the number of cases rose sharply.

Social media has also played a role, with online videos showing how to make these carbide guns.” Most patients were young males under the age of 20. About 17 percent suffered injuries in both eyes, and some experienced complete vision loss.

Nearly 45 percent of patients had open globe injuries requiring emergency surgery to preserve the eye structure and remaining vision, while others suffered chemical burns and blunt trauma from sparks and debris.

Around 25 percent of patients presented with severe visual impairment, and another 25 percent had moderate vision loss.

Experts emphasized the urgent need for interstate enforcement of firecracker regulations, monitoring of online sales, and a ban on hazardous carbide based and home assembled crackers. They also called for public education campaigns on eye safety and first aid following eye injuries.

“These dangerous crackers must be controlled at the production level because restricting sales alone is not enough,” said Prof Mandeep Bajaj from AIIMS.