Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital issues safety advisory as Diwali injuries rise in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad has started recording skin and eye burn cases in a dedicated Diwali injury registry as cracker-related injuries begin to surface. A team of seven doctors has been deployed to handle the expected festive rush.
Hospital superintendent Dr Modini Pandharpurkar said the facility had made special arrangements for Diwali. “Every year, we make special preparations for Diwali-related injuries. Cases have already started coming in—two or three so far—but none are severe or vision-threatening. Most involve minor skin burns. Injuries typically affect the eyelid, cornea, or retina. We have two duty medical officers, two senior residents, and retina and cornea specialists on call, with operation theatres ready,” she said.
Preventive advice and patient safety
Dr Pandharpurkar added that patients often sustain burns on the face, upper neck, and eyes. “We treat eye burns here and shift severe cases to Osmania General Hospital, depending on the level of injury. We urge everyone to wear protective spectacles, as fireworks can cause redness, itching, and conjunctival irritation. Children must always be supervised, and crackers should be burst only in open grounds—narrow lanes must be avoided,” she advised.
Doctors warn against home remedies
Dermatologist Dr Deepika J Sanbal cautioned against using home remedies for burns. “Avoid applying oil or toothpaste; they worsen the injury,” she said, adding that preventive care is crucial. “Every year, we see a rise in burns, skin allergies, and pollution-related issues during Diwali. A few small precautions can make a big difference.”
She recommended using protective gloves, keeping a first-aid box handy, and washing burns with clean, cold water before applying burn ointment. “Try wearing cotton clothes and avoid synthetic fabrics or new cosmetics that can irritate the skin. Festive foods are often oily and sugary, which can trigger acne—maintain balance and stay hydrated,” she added.
