How do bangle makers go blind?

Many glass bangle makers, especially in places like Firozabad, go blind because of several harsh working conditions:

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1. Extreme Heat and Fire Exposure:

• They sit for hours very close to furnaces (called bhattis) at 1200–1500°C.
• The intense infrared radiation from the fire damages the lens and retina of the eyes over time.
• This leads to cataracts (clouding of the eye) or retinal damage, causing gradual blindness.

2. Continuous Eye Strain:

• They have to focus very hard on tiny, glowing hot glass rods while shaping them.
• The constant strain, combined with poor lighting conditions (except for the furnace glow), wears out their vision fast.

3. Lack of Protective Gear:

• Most workers don't wear safety goggles because they can't afford them, or they're never provided.
• Without eye protection, their eyes are exposed to heat, sparks, fine glass dust, and bright glare for years.

4. Glass Dust:

• Fine glass particles in the air can scratch the surface of the eye (corneal abrasions), leading to infections and scarring.

5. Toxic Fumes:

• Fumes from certain chemicals used in colored glass can also irritate and damage the eyes.

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In short:
Over years of working under extreme heat, glare, dust, and fumes without eye protection, many glass workers develop permanent vision loss or complete blindness, often by their 40s or 50s.
It's heartbreaking — especially because it’s preventable with good safety measures.