Retrospective multifactorial analysis of ocular firecracker injuries and review of literature

Purpose To analyse demographics, risk factors, clinical features, functional, anatomical outcomes, and prevalence of blindness in firecracker injury patients presenting to a tertiary eye care centre. Methodology A retrospective analysis of ocular firecracker injuries patients who presented to our hospital from April 2018 to March 2019 was performed. A total of 114 patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were included. The parameters recorded were demographics, mode of injury, type of cracker, baseline and last follow up best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior and posterior segment findings, seidel's test, intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, treatment, functional and anatomical outcomes. Investigations in form of B Scan, X-ray, or CT scan were undertaken whenever indicated. Results A total of 132 eyes of 114 patients were analysed. The mean (SD) age was 18.96 +/-15.4 years (range 3-71 years). Seventy-four (64.91%) patients were <= 18 years of age. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1. The ratio of right: left eye involvement was 1:1. Eighteen patients (15.79%) had bilateral involvement. A total of 125 eyes had closed globe injury, 7 eyes had open globe injury and 17 patients needed hospital admission for management. The mean (SD) baseline BCVA was 0.54(+/-0.75). The mean (SD) final BCVA improved to 0.23(+/-0.62) till the last follow-up. The final outcome was good in most patients, except 5 eyes (3.78%) which resulted in near/total blindness. Conclusion Firecracker injuries are a major cause of irreversible blindness, especially among the younger age group. Prompt diagnosis with meticulous management can prevent devastating sequelae.