5 Dos And Don’ts To Avoid Common Eyes Injuries During Diwali

Here are some basic do's and don'ts to help you keep your Diwali safe and bright:

Refrain from touching or rubbing the injured eye, as it can lead to further irritation or damage. (Photo: Freepik)

Diwali, a festival of sparkling fireworks, is the time to salute the spirits of light and colour in the sky. But with the thrill of bursting crackers, eye injuries have become specific evil facts, especially during the festive seasons. Each year, hospitals report a rise in cases of eye-related emergencies, which range from minor annoyances to severe injuries that may even result in permanent vision loss.

Do's And Don'ts For Eye Injuries During Diwali

Do's

1. Use protective eyewear: When an adult handles fireworks, a pair of protective goggles is essential for the kids. Those goggles protect the eyes from stray sparks or flying pieces of crackers.
2. Maintain Distance: It is essential to light the fireworks from a safe distance. When a firework is lit, the person should move away to minimize the chances of bursting due to another explosion.
3. Open Spaces: Fireworks are to be lit on open grounds and away from buildings, balconies, or dense areas so the chances of injury from stray fireworks remain lower.
4. Washing Hands After Contact: After using fireworks, wash your hands before touching the face, body, or any other part so that the chemical does not unknowingly reach the eyes while touching them.
5. First-Aid Ready: A first-aid arrangement must include Saline solution, Sterilized gauze, and an eye-protecting shield. Quick management can drastically change the situation.

Don'ts

1. Don't Rub Your Eyes: If your eyes get particles or sparks, never rub them because they may scratch the cornea or further aggravate the injury. Gently wash them off with clean water or saline.
2. Avoid Home Remedies: In case of eye injury, no home remedies and no over-the-counter eye drops are to be used unless recommended by the ophthalmologist treating that patient. Thoroughly wash your eyes with water. Self-treatment with various substances may aggravate the injuries and delay the correct treatment.
3. Never Leave Children Unattended: Supervising is essential. Children are eager and anxious to light crackers and, more often, cannot maintain safety measures.
4. Pain Should Not Be Overlooked: If you experience any disturbance, pain, or even blurred vision, wasting time the more one delays, the graver the injury, which may lead to permanent loss.
5. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses: Contacts can trap fumes and particles, leading to irritation or even damage. Use ordinary prescription glasses or protective goggles instead.

Conclusion

These are the safety tips to be followed so that the joy of Diwali is not adversely affected by avoidable accidents. Only responsible behaviour and caution while doing the acts can ensure a safe and memorable Diwali with no after-effects on either your eyes or those of your dear ones. If anything serious happens, take action before it gets worse. Consult an ophthalmologist or eye specialist immediately for the correct treatment.