Diwali 2026: Mumbai docs highlight harmful effects of firecracker smoke on eyes 

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Diwali is easily one of the most-anticipated festivals in India because everybody comes together with friends and family to enjoy good food and drink and family traditions. There’s a different kind of festive mood in the air, including firecrackers that light up the sky in different colours. 

While bursting firecrackers are a lot of fun and has been an age-old tradition, more people are realising the ill-effects that come from it including noise and air pollution, and are slowly moving away from the tradition. However, even as others still continue to burst them, the easiest way to deal with it is by taking care of ourselves as Mumbai’s eye doctors say firecrackers have harmful effects on health. Even as the toll on respiratory health and ears is known, many don’t realise that it also affects the eyes in more ways than you know.

With Diwali underway, mid-day spoke to Dr. Vishram Sangit, chief Ophthalmologist & Senior Corneal Transplant Surgeon, Jupiter Hospital, Thane and Dr. Lanin Chen – Ophthalmologist and Vitreo-Retinal Specialist at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra. They highlight why it is important to take care of your eyes while spending time around firecrackers and bursting them. They also share how it gets worse with rising AQI and smoke, and how you can protect your eyes.

With worsening AQI and bursting crackers during Diwali, how does it affect the eyes?

Sangit: Air pollution and firecracker smoke can irritate the delicate surface of the eyes. Pollutants, fine particulate matter and chemical fumes can disturb the tear film, causing dryness, redness, watering and a burning or gritty sensation. Firecracker smoke can trigger a more intense reaction because it contains a mixture of fine particles and chemical residues. People who spend time outdoors during heavy pollution may experience persistent irritation, especially if their eyes are already sensitive.

Chen: Fine particulate matter and harmful chemicals from poor air quality as well as smoke released from firecrackers can cause eye irritation. This may result in dryness, redness, itching and watering and a burning sensation. It is also possible for fire-cracker debris to cause severe eye damage when it is directly exposed. 

What are some of the signs and symptoms that people should look out for to know if their eyes are affected with the smoke? 

Sangit: Common symptoms include redness, excessive watering, itching, burning, a gritty sensation, swollen eyelids and sensitivity to light. Some people may also experience blurred vision or difficulty keeping their eyes open. If these symptoms appear after exposure to smoke or pollution, they should not be ignored. Persistent irritation, in particular, needs an eye examination.

Chen: Some of the common symptoms include: redness, excessive watering, itching, burning, a gritty sensation, dryness and sensitivity to light. Individuals can also have blurred vision, or eye swelling. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they persist.

Whose eyes are most vulnerable to rising AQI, and does winter make it worse?

Sangit: Children, older adults, contact lens users and people with dry eye disease, allergic conjunctivitis or other existing eye conditions are more vulnerable. People who work outdoors also face prolonged exposure. Winter can aggravate the problem as lower humidity and dry air cause the tear film to evaporate faster. When this combines with pollution, the eyes become more prone to dryness and irritation.

Chen: People who suffer from an underlying eye health condition, or dry eyes/allergies, are more susceptible. Drier, colder air in the winter months can dry your eyes and irritate your eyes more. In conjunction with poor air quality, these symptoms can be exacerbated. 

Combined with smoke from crackers, does it make things worse for them?

Sangit: Yes. When the air is already polluted, firecracker emissions add another layer of particulate matter and chemical irritants. This increases overall exposure and can intensify eye irritation. People with allergies or pre-existing eye conditions may experience flare-ups, while prolonged exposure can leave even otherwise healthy individuals with considerable discomfort. 

Chen: Yes. The smoke from the firecrackers may contribute other kinds of pollution and fine particulate matter. This can worsen eye irritation, itching and dry eyes symptoms, especially for those who may be susceptible to these irritations. 

How can people prevent their eyes from getting affected by AQI and smoke this Diwali?

Sangit: Avoid standing close to areas where crackers are being burst and limit outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. Keep windows closed during periods of heavy smoke and use clean indoor air wherever possible. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation. Lubricating eye drops, preferably preservative-free artificial tears, can help relieve dryness. Contact lens users should consider switching to spectacles if their eyes feel irritated.

People should also remember that firecracker-related eye injuries can be potentially sight-threatening. Avoid handling crackers close to the face, maintain a safe distance while bursting them and never allow children to handle firecrackers unsupervised. Firecrackers should be used with utmost care and sensitivity to prevent avoidable injuries.

Chen: To avoid high concentrations of smoke people must avoid going out when AQI is high, and close windows during heavy pollution. Use lubricating eye drops and avoid rubbing the eyes. Wash your eyes and face immediately after coming from outdoor.

When should people visit a doctor? What are the immediate actions they can take?

Sangit: If smoke enters the eyes, gently rinse them with clean water or sterile saline. Avoid rubbing the eyes or using rose water and other home remedies. If irritation persists, consult an ophthalmologist. Severe pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision warrant prompt medical attention.

In case of a direct firecracker injury, seek immediate medical attention, even if the initial discomfort appears mild. Do not rub, press or attempt to remove any embedded particles from the eye. Avoid applying ointments or home remedies before medical evaluation. Any sudden change in vision should be treated as an emergency.

Chen: If a person experiences severe irritation, redness, pain, as well as the changes in vision, excessive watering, or sensitivity to light, should be reported to the ophthalmologist. If exposed to irritants then immediately leave from the smoky area and rinse your eyes gently with clean water or sterile saline. Don’t rub your eyes or use medicine without medical advice. If injured by a firecracker, get medical help immediately.

How important are sunglasses, and how can they help with worsening AQI and Diwali crackers respectively?

Sangit: Sunglasses can offer a physical barrier against dust, wind and larger airborne particles, reducing direct exposure to some irritants. Wraparound sunglasses provide better coverage than regular frames. UV-protected lenses also protect against ultraviolet radiation. That said, sunglasses cannot filter out fine particulate matter or protect against chemical fumes. They should be seen as an added precaution, not complete protection.

Chen: Sunglasses including wrap-around will offer a barrier to airborne dust, wind and some dust particles. They can also provide protection from flying debris and sparks outside. However, they are not entirely effective at blocking fine pollutants or directly stopping firecrackers from causing any injuries. The best protection from injury is to use proper protective eyewear when handling fireworks and stay as far away as possible from it. 

How can authorities, housing societies, neighbourhoods and people at home ensure a clean environment after crackers are burst by people?

Sangit: Housing societies should discourage use of firecrackers in enclosed spaces and near children, older adults and people with respiratory or eye conditions. Debris should be collected using appropriate cleaning methods rather than dry sweeping, which can send fine particles back into the air. Authorities should ensure timely waste collection and discourage burning cracker residue. At home, people can keep windows closed during heavy smoke, avoid disturbing settled dust and maintain clean indoor surroundings. Responsible celebrations can help protect everyone’s health.

Chen: Authorities and housing societies should put measures in place to ensure that firecracker waste is collected and disposed of on time. Such people should refrain from using dry sweeping to collect anything that they may have thrown away and it is better to use wet cleaning methods to remove it instead of burning the wastes or leftover crackers as this can generate dust and particulate matter. Minimising cracklers in community celebrations; keeping public areas clean; will help limit exposure to pollution and support all eyes.