Bengaluru: A doctor attends to a patient suffering from an eye injury sustained while bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations at Minto Hospital in Bengaluru district of Karnataka on Monday, November 09, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Bengaluru: At least 72 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries have been reported at three major eye hospitals in Bengaluru in recent days amid the ongoing Deepavali celebrations. The state-run Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 14 cases in three days, while Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar treated 31 patients between Nov 7 and 9. Sankara Eye Hospital recorded 26 patient entries between Oct 26 and Monday. At Minto, 10 of the 14 patients suffered grievous injuries, while four sustained simple injuries. Twelve of the 14 patients at Minto were bystanders injured while others were bursting crackers. We have seen 14 patients in three days, and we expect more cases over the next three to four days,” he said. At Narayana Nethralaya, 15 of the 31 patients were children below 18 years. eight were bystanders While 23 patients suffered self-inflicted injuries. All 31 received medical treatment.
Nethradhama Super Speciality Hospital reported one serious case.
Doctors said some patients could lose partial or complete vision. Dr Suresh Babu, director of Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, said the number of cases was similar to previous years despite increased awareness programmes in schools and colleges. Several patients have suffered grievous injuries that could result in partial or complete vision loss. Four patients were admitted, of whom two underwent surgery and two are undergoing treatment in the ward. Their visual recovery can be assessed only around six months after surgery. Bijili crackers accounted for four cases, while the remaining injuries involved flowerpots, bombs, Lakshmi crackers and rockets. “People need to wear protective eyewear while bursting crackers. A large number of those injured are bystanders, which is a matter of concern.