Clinical Profile, Pattern of Injuries, and Visual Outcome Following Firecracker-Related Ocular Injury

Purpose To analyze the demographics, types of ocular injuries, management strategies, and visual outcomes in patients presenting with firecracker-related ocular trauma. Methods This multicentric prospective study included 254 patients who presented to the emergency and outpatient departments during the Diwali festival in 2023. Results Among the 254 patients, 198 (77.9%) were male with a mean age of 19.76 ± 15.34 years. Unilateral involvement was seen in 211 patients (83.3%) The most common presenting complaint was defective vision (32%). 153 patients were active ignitors, while 99 (38.97%) were passive bystanders. Based on WHO guidelines, 198 patients (69.2%) had mild visual impairment at presentation, while 41 (14.3%) presented with blindness. According to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS), 95.9% had closed globe injuries and 4.1% had open globe injuries. Discussion Ocular injuries caused by firecrackers can range from minor abrasions to devastating globe ruptures. The majority of the cases were young males, consistent with previous studies [1,2]. The high proportion of bystanders among the injured highlights the need for broader public awareness and control measures [3]. Most patients responded well to conservative management. However, open globe injuries and cases presenting with severe visual impairment or blindness had limited visual recovery. Conclusion Firecracker-related ocular trauma presented with a wide range of injuries, from minor burns to globe rupture, requiring varied treatment approaches. Unlike previous studies, over one-third of the affected individuals in our cohort were bystanders. Poorer outcomes were associated with severe visual impairment, blindness, and open globe injuries.