The celebrations for the festival of lights and joy, Diwali, has just begun; however, it also brings potential hazards, especially when it comes to eye safety. The light can cause glare and debris in the environment may affect your vision.
Moreover, the pollution can have a severe impact on our eye health, often leading to discomfort, dryness, and even more serious conditions.
Many unfortunate people lose their eyesight every year due to firecrackers, smoke and the following pollution; while several others report eye problems such as irritation, redness, and watery eyes. Apart from these, there is a plausibility of corneal injuries in children.
Children are especially vulnerable to this pollution and one area often overlooked is the impact on their delicate eyes. Firecracker pollution can significantly harm children’s eye health and needs proper care and attention.
Here are some safety tips to ensure a safe Diwali by Dr. Nidhi Jyoti Shetty, MBBS MS (Ophthal), Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bhandup:
1. Avoid smoke exposure: Smoke can irritate your eyes. Stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid direct exposure.
2. Keep surroundings clean: Dust and debris can affect your eyes, keep your living spaces clean and tidy, during the festive season.
3. Apply cold compresses: If you are experiencing puffy or tired eyes after long celebrations, a cold compress can help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.
4. Use natural lighting: Take advantage of natural light for celebrations instead of relying only on artificial lights, which can be harsh on your eyes.
5. Use safety glasses: Wear safety goggles or glasses when setting off firecrackers. This will help shield your eyes from additional glare and debris.
Follow these preventive steps in case of any injury:
i. Asses your vision closely: Close the non-injured eye and assess whether you can see with the injured eye. Notice if your vision has decreased.
ii. Immediate action: Cover the injured eye to reduce exposure of light and protect it from further injury.
iii. No touching or rubbing: Do not touch or rub the affected eye to avoid further irritation or injury.
iv. Do not remove foreign objects: In case of any foreign object is stuck, do not attempt to remove it to avoid risk of infection.
v. Handling bleeding: Cover the eye with a clean handkerchief or cloth if bleeding occurs. Do not apply pressure to stop bleeding, as this can lead to further damage.
vi. For burns: Gently wash the eye with clean, lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes. This will wash away harmful substances and help in reducing the severity of the burns. Afterwards, cover the eye with a clean dressing and the reach out to the nearest eye hospital without any delay.
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