An analysis of ocular firecracker injuries in five consecutive years during a festive season in a tertiary eye care hospital in South India, Expert Review of Ophthalmology, 11:3, 235-240, ABSTRACT Background: To analyse the presentation of ocular firecracker injuries during a festival celebration in five consecutive years. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 541 patients with cracker injuries who presented to a tertiary eye care hospital during the fortnight of Deepavali for five consecutive years. The parameters studied were the age and sex, environmental factors, type of firework, eye involved and whether the involved person was a passer-by or actively involved. Results: Children up to 15 years, males and bystanders were seen to be affected more frequently. The most common firework involved was the flower pots. Conclusions: Fire cracker related ocular injuries are an important public health problem in India where celebrations are not complete without lighting crackers. This study brings to light the importance of safety measures and emphasises the need for restrictive firework legislation which has proved to reduce such injuries in countries across the world.

Both the tonometers showed a significant correlation with the gold standard technique (Perkin's applanation tonometer) over a range of IOP and CCT with the Schiotz tonometer better than the NCT. This study proves that Schiotz tonometer can be recommended as a reliable screening tool in community outreach ophthalmology services. The twin advantages of portability and availability make the Schiotz tonometer a popular choice among ophthalmology trainees and optometrists in a developing country like India.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract