Take Care of Your Eyes

The season of colours is back again! Children by now must be ready with their colours and “pichkaries”.

The colours, which look so good, can be harmful to your eyes. The commonly used synthetic colours are actually chemicals. They contain heavy metals like lead, which is harmful to the eyes and skin. Dr Ajay Sharma, eye expert Eye Q hospitals says; “Post Holi there is rush of patients in hospitals because of skin, eye or general problems. The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body, and any chemical if goes in the eye will cause mild allergy or even severe chemical burn in the eye.”

He further added; “The colours used during Holi usually cause mild redness and irritation in the eyes. If it does not go in a day or two the problem will need treatment from an ophthalmologist. One should always check if the clarity of vision is affected. If yes, then rush the patient to an eye specialist.

Common Eye Problems During Holi:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Chemical burn
• Corneal abrasion
• Blunt eye injury

The particles in colour powders (shining mica particles in gulal) can cause damage to the cornea. The corneal abrasion is an emergency and one should consult the doctor. The patient will have pain and watering from the eye and if not treated in time it can cause ulcer or infection in the eye.

The balloons used by children during Holi are most dangerous and can cause blunt eye injury. There can be bleeding within the eye, lens subluxation, macular edema or retinal detachment. All these can lead to the loss of vision or loss of the eye. These are all eye emergencies and should be taken care of as early as possible.

So enjoy Holi and play it in the right spirit but also take care of your eyes, as these are your most priced possession.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid synthetic colours and use home-made colours
• Water-colour balloons should not be used at all
• If any colour goes in the eye, splash a lot of tap water in it
• Avoid self-medication in case of eye-injury. Rush to your eye-specialist. Ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from coloured water.
• While washing off the colour, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes tightly closed.

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