Overview
- AIIMS reported 190 Diwali-related ocular injuries this year, up 19% from 2024, including 18–20 cases traced to carbide guns for the first time.
- Severe trauma was common, with about 44% sustaining open-globe injuries requiring emergency surgery, 17% affected in both eyes, and roughly 60 children undergoing operations.
- Carbide guns—often PVC pipes loaded with calcium carbide that generates explosive acetylene—cause shrapnel injuries and toxic fumes that can permanently scar the cornea.
- Experts cited cross-border access to uncertified crackers after limited ‘green’ approvals in Delhi-NCR, late referrals with guarded visual prognosis, and social media tutorials spreading the devices.
- AIIMS urged bans, tighter interstate enforcement, and monitoring of online sales, as Madhya Pradesh announced a statewide prohibition on carbide guns and related videos.