Chandigarh's PGIMER sees 28 cases of eye injuries on Diwali, 50 cases reported in Hyderabad hospital

As many as 28 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries were reported by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh on Diwali, half of whom were bystanders.

The Advanced Eye Centre of the institute saw 28 such patients -- 25 males and three females, the PGIMER said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Out of 28 patients, 16 were of age less than 15 years," it said.


"Fourteen patients were bystanders and the rest were bursting crackers themselves," the statement added.

The institute said that 11 patients were from Chandigarh, six from Panchkula and rest were from neighbouring states of Punjab (3), Haryana (5) and Himachal Pradesh (3).

"Out of 28 patients, 11 have open globe injuries and needed emergency surgeries...The rest of the patients have either minor injuries or closed globe injuries and were managed conservatively," the institute said.

"Besides eye injury cases, four patients of burn injuries reported to the Plastic Surgery Department and Advanced Trauma Centre of PGIMER. Of the four patients, three sustained hand injuries as firecrackers burst in their hands. They are stable and undergoing treatment," the statement said, adding one patient sustained minor burns and is undergoing treatment in the Plastic Surgery Department.

In Hyderabad, state-run Sarojini Devi Eye hospital received 50 patients with eye injuries sustained during the Diwali festivities, an official of the hospital said.

Out of the 50, a total of 19 have been admitted to the hospital, he said.

Four people were operated upon for the injuries, he said.

One patient may require multiple surgeries to restore the vision, the official added.

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across Telangana on Monday.