KANPUR, Oct. 25 -- An estimated 85 people in Uttar Pradesh have injured their eyes after using carbide guns, homemade explosives also up for sale, according to data compiled by doctors. Many learned to make these devices through social media, which has fuelled the rising number of injuries.

Blasts from carbide guns have caused severe facial and ocular injuries, some of which may result in permanent vision loss. The UP State Ophthalmic Society has so far collated 60 cases from across the state, including eight from Kanpur. At LLR Hospital, 25 patients -- mostly teenagers and children -- are undergoing treatment for eye and facial injuries.

The Society is collecting data on carbide gun injuries from across the state and has also begun a s...