Diwali Eye Care : Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness. From the decoration of houses to the twinkling of lamps and colorful lights, the beauty of this festival is enjoyed by our eyes only. In such a situation, eye health should not be ignored. Many times people get their eyes checked only when they have vision problems, whereas diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can damage eyesight even without any obvious symptoms in the initial stages.
Smoke from firecrackers and make-up can increase eye problems.
Chairman and Managing Director of Center for Sight Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, Prof. Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev said, “It is very important to take care of eye health during Diwali. The smoke and dust of firecrackers can increase eye irritation and allergy problems. At the same time, makeup and contact lenses used during festivals can also harm the eyes if not used properly. Therefore, it is important to get the eyes checked regularly, especially people suffering from diabetes should not be careless in this.”
Reduce screen time and give adequate rest to the eyes
Everyday habits also affect eye health. Staring at mobile phones, computers and TV screens for prolonged periods can cause fatigue and dryness in the eyes. It is beneficial to look away from the screen occasionally, blink frequently and keep the screen at a proper distance. It is also important to get adequate sleep amid the busy routine and staying up late at night during festivals.
Take special care of eye cleanliness and makeup
It is equally important to take care of eye cleanliness. Touching eyes without washing hands, sharing makeup items with others, or using expired cosmetic items can increase the risk of irritation and infection. Eye makeup should be removed before sleeping. Contact lens users should follow instructions regarding their cleaning and use. In case of eye problem, one should avoid using eye drops without doctor’s advice.
In case of pain or blurriness in the eyes, immediately consult a doctor
Redness in the eyes, pain, persistent watering or changes in vision should not be ignored. Many times people keep adopting home remedies or delay going to the doctor in the hope that the problem will get cured on its own. However, sudden blurring or loss of vision, severe pain or injury to the eye can be signs of a serious problem. In such a situation, medical help should be sought immediately.
Diabetes and high BP patients should get their eyes checked regularly
People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as those already suffering from eye disease, should take special care of regular checkups. Due to diabetes, the nerves of the retina i.e. the retina can get damaged and its symptoms are not visible in the initial stages. Getting eye exams as recommended by your doctor and keeping other health problems under control can help reduce the risk of serious vision complications.
Celebrate the festival of lights by taking care of eye health.
Along with lighting the houses on Diwali, it is also important to take care of the health of your eyes. Eyes can be kept healthy with regular checkups, cleanliness and timely doctor’s advice, so that we can enjoy every beautiful scene of life along with the splendor of the festival.
FAQ
What to do if you have eye irritation or allergy on Diwali?
Clean the eyes with cold water and immediately consult an eye specialist. Do not apply any eye drops without doctor’s advice.
Can crackers be burst while wearing contact lenses?
No, going near crackers or fireworks while wearing contact lenses can be dangerous as the smoke can dry out the lenses and increase the risk of infection.
How does screen time affect our eyes?
Watching the screen for a long time reduces blinking, which leads to dry eyes and fatigue.
When should diabetic patients get their eyes checked?
Diabetic patients should get their retina checked at least once a year or as directed by the doctor.
Can eye infection be cured with home remedies?
In case of severe infection or redness, one should immediately contact a doctor instead of trying home remedies.