Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most popular of all Indian festivals and is celebrated around the world. It’s that time of the year w...
Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most popular of all Indian festivals and is celebrated around the world. It’s that time of the year which stands for lights, sweets and lots of fun with family and friends. However, the tough covid times will play a spoilsport for gatherings and we need to abide by the social distancing guidelines strictly. This is also a time when one has to be careful about keeping one’s eyes safe. Here are a few handy tips for you.
How to play safe Diwali and not get hurt
· If a splinter or something that's hot and burning gets into the eyes
immediately wash with lots of clean water. Tap water,
drinking water, any clean water will do. You can also apply some ice or cold
compress if possible. The best thing is to go to the nearest doctor. Many eye
hospitals keep special night and emergency facilities on Diwali open.
· Wearing
plain spectacles goes a long way in protecting your eyes. Many accidents happen
while a person tries to be adventurous by bursting crackers in dangerous ways.
We commonly receive patients with injuries from bombs which are lit
under some earthen pots and burst. Another common cause is when a cracker
fails to light up the first time and then someone tries to blow on it or light
it for the second time it bursts on the face of the person. These needs to be
strictly prohibited.
· Do not cover crackers with glass bottles, tins, box or earthen pots for
sound effects. They can burst into tiny pieces and damage your eyes forever.
Also, do not go near crackers that have failed to explode.
· If you are a contact lens wearer, it is advisable not to wear them while
watching or bursting crackers. Contact lenses may cause
irritation to the eyes if exposed to high heat for a long time.
· In the event of an eye injury, do not rub your eyes or use local
remedies like turmeric powder, coconut oil, etc. If there are any particles
inside your eyes, it may worsen the injury. Instead, wash your eyes with clean
water for about 10 minutes and after that consult an Eye Specialist at the
earliest.
· Make sure you wash your hands properly after making a rangoli or
handling fireworks, and before you touch your eyes. The coloured powder, chalk
powder and chemicals from the crackers may cause eye irritation and itchiness
and in certain cases, irreparable damage.
· Even though fireworks may be pretty and bright, it is best to stay away
from them. Do not let children light crackers. If they are bursting crackers,
there should always be adult supervision.
· Keep the number of your opthalmologist and nearest Hospital / Eye Care
centre handy
These
precautions can go a long way to ensure a safe and happy Diwali for you, your
family, friends and loved ones.
- Dr Soham
Basak, Consultant, Cornea Department, Disha Eye Hospitals
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