Bengaluru, Nov 9 (PTI) At least 51 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries have been reported at Minto Ophthalmic Hospital and Narayana Nethralaya in Bengaluru, with children and bystanders among those affected, officials said on Monday.
Narayana Nethralaya in Rajajinagar treated 31 patients for firecracker-related eye injuries between November 7 and 9, 2026, according to a hospital statement.
As of 5 pm on November 9, the hospital had treated 15 children and 16 adults. Of the 31 patients, 19 were male and 12 female.
Eight sustained injuries as bystanders, while 23 suffered self-inflicted injuries. Thirty patients received medical treatment, while one underwent surgery.
Dr Naren Shetty, Director of Narayana Nethralaya, said, “It is concerning that children account for 48 per cent of the firecracker-related eye injuries reported at our hospital. Parents should ensure that children are not allowed to handle firecrackers alone and are kept at a safe distance.”
He advised people to wear protective eyewear during celebrations to reduce the risk of eye injuries.
Dr Yathish S, Head of Department and Consultant, Cornea Services, Narayana Nethralaya, said most patients were treated with medication in the outpatient department, while one underwent surgery.
He noted that firecracker-related eye injuries continued to be reported despite awareness efforts.
Minto Ophthalmic Hospital reported 20 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries between November 6 and 9, up to 8 pm on Monday.
Of these, 12 patients sustained grievous injuries and eight suffered simple injuries, the hospital said in a statement.
Four patients were admitted, of whom two underwent surgery, and two received conservative treatment.
While seven cases involved self-inflicted injuries, 13 were sustained by bystanders or third parties. Most patients were from Bengaluru, while one each from Raichur and Doddaballapura was referred to the hospital, it added. PTI AMP SA
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.