Synopsis: While the use of crackers has reduced over the years thanks to government restrictions and growing environmental consciousness, eye doctors say they still see a worrying number of cases during the festive season. “It’s not just those lighting the crackers who get hurt—over half the victims are innocent bystanders,” the doctor added.

With Deepavali being celebrated from Monday, 20 October, ophthalmologists are urging the public to celebrate responsibly and protect their eyes from preventable firecracker injuries that continue to occur despite stricter regulations and greater awareness.

“What is supposed to be a festival of lights has, in some cases, turned into a festival of darkness,” said a senior ophthalmologist Dr S Shashidhar from Minto Eye Hospital in Bengaluru, referring

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