By Dr P Suresh, HOD-Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund
Although the enthusiasm and excitement for the festival are understandable, it is equally important to take care of your skin and eyes as uncontrolled use of colours can damage the eye and have long-term consequences. It is critical to observe precaution during the celebrations, especially when it comes to eye care. This is equally important for both adults and children.
A wide range of colours are used during the Holi celebrations, and sometimes they may contain synthetic and toxic ingredients that can damage your eyes. While playing Holi with colours, it is vital to take care of your eyes as applying colours on them directly can cause allergies, infection and even blindness.
Ahead are some tips to help you play a safe and happy Holi.
- While playing with colours and water use protective eye gear/ sun glasses
- Avoid throwing water balloons on the face. Dangerous practice as it is likely to explode and can cause serious eye injury
- Avoid throwing colours on the face directly. toxic chemicals cause chemical injury to the eye that can be potentially harmful
- If color enters the eye avoid rubbing the eye. wash it with water and if irritation persists visit an eye Doctor
- Buy natural colours if possible like besan, palak (spinach), rose petals and certain flowers, in this way toxicity is reduced
- People wearing contact lenses needs to be more careful with colour as it can get trapped under the lens and cause injury
- If you have long hair tie it so that colour water does not drip in to your eyes
- Be careful while running in the wet floor and you might fall and injure the face and the eyes
- After the celebration a good warm water bath with closed eyes helps get rid of the colours and refreshes you
