The dangers of fireworks to the eyes: Medical warnings during the holiday
With the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, joy is renewed and celebrations abound, but this happiness can turn into a real tragedy due to unsafe practices. In this context, the Saudi Ophthalmological Society has warned of the dangers of fireworks to the eyes, the use of which increases significantly among children and teenagers during the Eid holidays. This warning comes as hospitals and health centers report a marked rise in eye injuries related to the use of these fireworks during the holiday season.
The evolution of celebrations and the increasing risks of fireworks to the eyes
Historically, fireworks have been associated with major celebrations and festivals since their invention in ancient China, where they were initially used for traditional purposes before evolving and spreading to various cultures around the world to become a symbol of joy and celebration during national and religious occasions. In the Arab world, particularly during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, fireworks have become an integral part of popular celebratory culture.
However, the radical shift occurred when these games moved from professionally run, safe, open-air venues to the hands of children in the streets and residential neighborhoods. This haphazard shift, coupled with the proliferation of poorly made and substandard models, significantly increased the likelihood of catastrophic accidents, making awareness of their dangers an urgent necessity to protect future generations.
Health and societal impact of eye injuries
The anticipated impact of these incidents extends beyond immediate pain to include long-term health, economic, and psychological consequences at both the local and regional levels. In this regard, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Balushi, President of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society, emphasized that these injuries can be extremely serious. The chemicals and intense heat released by the explosion can cause lacerations in various parts of the eye or internal bleeding.
This can negatively impact visual acuity in the future, resulting from complex and varied medical complications including corneal opacity, cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even more serious conditions like optic nerve atrophy. These complications not only place a heavy burden on families, both psychologically and financially, but also strain healthcare systems already overwhelmed with hundreds of emergency cases during times that should be dedicated to rest and celebration.
Other games threaten children's safety
Dr. Al-Balushi pointed out that the dangers are not limited to firecrackers, but extend to other hazardous toys commonly used during holidays, such as plastic ball launchers (pellet guns). He explained that injuries resulting from these toys can range from minor superficial corneal abrasions to complete vision loss—God forbid—if the impact is direct and forceful.
Proactive steps to protect society
Al-Balushi stressed the importance of taking any eye injury seriously and responding immediately, whether to children or adults. He emphasized the necessity of urgently consulting an ophthalmologist in the emergency department to ensure the safety of the eye and its internal structures, and to avoid worsening the condition or resorting to incorrect home remedies that could exacerbate the damage.
In closing, he urged parents to take responsibility by raising awareness about the dangers of these games and cooperating closely with security and relevant authorities to curb their spread and indiscriminate sale. He emphasized that concerted community efforts are the only way to safeguard society, especially children, and ensure that holidays remain a time of joy and happiness, not a cause of sorrow and lasting injuries.
