The water balloons used are the most dangerous as they can cause blunt eye injury. There is a risk of bleeding in the eye, lens subluxation, macular edema or retinal detachment. It can also result in permanent vision loss
The season of colours is here! Holi is a festival liked by people of all generations. The children must all set to play with colours and pichkaries. Often people ignore the side effects of these colours on the body. Our eyes are extremely susceptible during Holi. Wet colours easily dissolve in water and can easily enters into it.
Uses of synthetic colours that are composed of chemicals possess a great threat to one’s eyes. Colours contain chemicals like Mercury Sulphite, Lead Oxide and Copper Sulphate that are harmful. Exposure to these chemicals can result in eye allergy, temporary blindness and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Other health hazards due to exposure to heavy metals include skin allergies, dermatitis, drying and chapping of the skin, skin cancer, rhinitis, asthma and pneumonia.
In some cases, it may also result in partial vision loss. A gray patch appears on the retina and blocks the sight. It is a serious medical complication and therefore, should not be ignored. A delay in treatment can lead to complete loss of sight. Not only holi colours but also sprays or mace can result in temporary blindness.
Post the festival there is a rush of patients in hospitals because of skin, eye or general problems. The most common eye problems which present during the Holi include: allergic conjunctivitis, chemical burn, corneal abrasion and blunt eye injury.
The colours used in Holi if they go in the eye usually cause mild redness and irritation. This if does not go in a day or two will need treatment. The particles in colour powders (shining mica particles in gulal) can cause damage to the cornea. The patient will have pain and watery eyes and if not treated in time can cause ulcer/ infection in the eye. The corneal abrasion is an emergency and one should consult the doctor. One should always check if the clarity of vision is affected, then should rush to an eye specialist.
The balloons that are used are most dangerous and can cause blunt eye injury. There can be bleeding within the eye, lens subluxation, macular edema or retinal detachment. These can lead to loss of vision or loss of the eye. These are all eye emergencies and should be taken care of as early as possible.
It is preferrable to follow these precautions to avoid damage to your vision: