Happy Diwali 2023: How To Protect Your Eyes During Diwali? Know These Eye Care Tips

As we gear up for another year of Diwali festivities, it's imperative to prioritise eye safety.

How To Protect Your Eyes During Diwali- Know These Eye Care Tips

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Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm across the globe. As houses are illuminated with diyas, lanterns, and fairy lights, and the skies are painted with fireworks, the festival truly stands as a testament to victory over darkness. But every year, amidst the gaiety and merriment, there are unfortunate instances of eye injuries due to careless handling of firecrackers or accidents. As we gear up for another year of Diwali festivities, it's imperative to prioritise eye safety.

Diwali Delights Without Eye Worries- Tips For Protection

Dr. Rajneesh Sinha, who is a Senior Consultant, at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals shared some tips to ensure that the joys of Diwali are not overshadowed by the worries of eye injuries:

• Safe placement of lanterns and candles

Place lanterns and candles away from curtains, papers, and other flammable materials. Ensure they are on stable surfaces where they can't be easily knocked over.

• Shielding the flame

Always use lanterns with a protective shield around the flame. For candles, consider using hurricane lamps or protective glass containers.

• Keep a safe distance

Safety begins with a generous distance. When lighting firecrackers, ensure you're standing at least an arm's length away. Spectators should be farther away. This minimises the immediate threat posed by sparks and explosions.

• Protective eyewear

It might sound unconventional, but wearing protective glasses or goggles can be a game-changer. These can shield the eyes from rogue sparks, reducing the risk of injuries.

• Opt for safer alternatives

Many are switching to electronic firecrackers or laser light shows. These alternatives capture the essence of Diwali, providing the visual splendour without the associated risks.

• Strict supervision for children

Children are naturally curious and might want to experience the thrill of lighting firecrackers. Ensure they are always supervised by an adult. Teach them the importance of safety and never let them handle fireworks unsupervised.

• Quality matters

Invest in good quality fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Cheap or poorly-made products can be unpredictable and more hazardous.

• Read instructions

Different products have different safety guidelines. Before lighting any firecracker or lantern, take a moment to read the instructions.

• Avoid touching used firecrackers or hot wax

Wait for a while after the firecracker has gone off or a candle has been blown out before attempting to touch them. Both can remain hot and cause burns.

• Wash your hands

After handling firecrackers, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eyes. Residual chemical substances can irritate the eyes.

Precautionary Meaures That Can Be Taken:

Dr. Bhupesh Singh, Senior Ophthalmologist, Bharti Eye Hospitals said, "As an ophthalmologist, I can't stress enough the importance of adhering to precautionary measures during this festive season."

• Always maintain a safe distance from fireworks; the sudden burst, besides being potentially harmful, can lead to momentary vision impairment. Children, naturally curious and eager to participate, should always be under strict adult supervision. Restrict them from igniting fireworks, and if they are around, ensure they wear protective eyewear. For adults, it might seem like an added task, but wearing protective eyewear can make a significant difference.
• The ambient air quality tends to deteriorate during Diwali, leading to a higher concentration of pollutants. This can be extremely harsh on the eyes. To combat this, limit your outdoor activities, especially during peak hours of firework displays. Make sure you wash your eyes with cool, clean water at regular intervals and avoid rubbing them.
• Furthermore, the brightness of Diwali lights, if one is exposed for prolonged periods, can strain the eyes. Ensure you balance the ambient lighting and avoid staring directly into bright lights.
• In the unfortunate event of experiencing any discomfort, redness, a burning sensation, or even the slightest disturbance in vision, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, our vision is a precious gift, and it's our responsibility to protect and nurture it.

Immediate Steps In Case Of An Eye Injury

Dr. Sameer Kaushal, who is the Head, Ophthalmology, Organ Transplant, at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram said, "Eye accidents can pose a significant risk to your vision and overall eye health which is why taking immediate action is crucial."

Here is what you can do in case of an eye accident:

• Do Not Rub Your Eye: Avoid rubbing the injured eye as it can cause more damage, especially if there's a foreign object in the eye.
• Wash Your Hands: Before touching your eye or doing any first aid, wash your hands properly to prevent bringing any bacteria into contact with the eye.
• Assess the Situation: Determine the nature of the eye injury. Whether it is a foreign object, a chemical exposure, a blunt trauma, or a cut. Understanding the type of injury will help you in addressing the problem appropriately.
• Foreign Object in the Eye: In case you have a foreign object in your eye, then blink your eye several times to see if it clears on its own. If it's still there, try to flush it out gently with clean water. 
• Chemical Exposure: If a chemical gets into your eye, immediately flush the eye with clean, cool water to rinse out the chemical. Hold your eyelids open with your fingers to ensure that the water reaches all areas of the eye.
• Blunt Trauma: In case of blunt trauma, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Do not put pressure on the eye or try to put a dislocated eyeball back into place.
• Cuts or Punctures: In case if cuts or punctures, don't wash the eye or the area around it or apply pressure. Cover the eye gently with a sterile, non-stick bandage or a clean cloth to protect it from further injury.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Irrespective of the type of injury, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Visit an ophthalmologist for a thorough examination and treatment. Provide complete details of what happened and the steps you've taken to assist healthcare providers in providing the most appropriate treatment. Also, avoid using medication without professional guidance. 
• Prevent Further Injury: Once you've taken initial steps and are waiting for medical help, keep the injured eye covered with a clean cloth or eye shield to prevent accidental contact, and avoid any activities that could lead to further eye injury.