Chennai sees dozens of cracker-related eye injuries; doctors call for caution

CHENNAI The day may have been wet, but Chennaiites still went all out to bring in light and sparkles on Deepavali day, which fell on Sunday (November 8, 2026). While awareness about safety has increased, ophthalmologists in the city have once again called for caution and reiterated protective measures, as they have received dozens of cases of cracker-related injuries.

The Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Ophthalmic Hospital received around 50 cases, with about 10 cases having to be admitted, a senior official said. Also Read: Firecracker-related eye injuries more serious than they appear, claims eye doctors https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/firecracker-related-eye-injuries-more-serious-than-they-appear-claims-eye-doctors/article71677691.ece The emergency clinic at Sankara Nethralaya, over the Diwali weekend, saw 45 cases of firecracker injuries at its main campus.

Two underwent wound repair surgery, while two others are scheduled for surgery on Monday, November 9, according to T.S. Surendran, its chairman said.