Ophthalmologist Dr. Kapila Banduratne, President of the National Ophthalmologist’s Association, said that children should not be allowed to use fireworks during the festive season.
He points out that with the arrival of the Sinhala Hindu New Year, we can see an increase in eye injuries due to various types of accidents.
He also emphasized that taking unnecessary risks and ignorance are the reasons for such accidents.
He says that there is an increase in the consumption of firecrackers and fireworks during the festive season, and there is an increase in domestic accidents and road accidents.
He said that from hospitalization to eye loss or permanent vision loss can occur at the beginning of the new year due to accidents like this.
According to survey data, 46% of the accidents caused by fireworks are the most common accidents involving hands and fingers.
He further said that 17% of accidental injuries occur in the eyes and another 17% in areas including the face and head.
Ophthalmologist Kapila Banduratne said that accidents are more common among teen boys and young people.
He said that small children should never light fireworks and always use fireworks with the consent of an adult.
He said that unlit firecrackers should not be lit again and lighting should be done only in open places.
The doctor also emphasized not to forget that a very small mistake can leave an irreparable scar on your child’s or young adult’s life.
He said this while speaking at a press conference to raise awareness about the dangers of using fireworks during the upcoming Sinhala Hindu New Year.