Analysis of ocular trauma due to firecracker injury in oculoplasty clinic at a tertiary care hospital of North India

Purpose: To evaluate the spectrum of ocular injuries, clinical and demographic profile and managementpatterns following firecracker injury during three days of festive season of ‘Deepavali’.Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, retrospective study of 19 patients, who sustained ocularinjuries following firecracker injury during three days of festive season of Deepavali from 28/10/19to 30/10/19 visiting emergency department of SMIH, Dehradun. All the patients were attended incollaboration with on call ophthalmologists and plastic surgery burn unit team. Vision assessment was doneusing Snellen’s chart. Slit lamp examination including anterior segment evaluation and fundus examinationwas done in cases possible. USG B-scan and X-Ray orbit were done in cases required. Patients with severeinjuries were advised admission and managed either conservatively or surgically. Surgical interventionincluded corneo-scleral tear repair and evisceration. Rest of the patients were treated on outpatient basis.Results: The firecrackers causing ocular injuries include Bomb in 37% cases, Flowerpot in 31.5%, Rocketin 21% and Sparkles in 10.5% cases. The spectrum of ocular involvement included periocular burns in100% cases, corneal abrasion in 74%, corneal perforation and hyphema in 16%, lid and conjunctivallaceration and globe rupture in 11%, and iridodialysis and vitreous hemorrhage in 5% cases. Thedevastating visual outcomes were seen in 10% cases. 89.5% cases underwent medico-legal consultation.Conclusion: Firecracker injury leads to physical and mental trauma to the patients. Adult supervisionis very crucial while igniting firecrackers. Appropriate triage management and coordinated treatment wascritical to ensure best possible patient outcome. Enforcement of legislations, health education and publicawareness are essential in preventing this hazard to ocular health in country.Keywords: Ocular trauma, Firecracker injury, Medicolegal.