Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. As families and friends come together to light up their lives with lamps and firecrackers, it’s essential to remember the importance of eye safety. Did you know that nearly half of all firework-related injuries each year are related to eye damage? As an eye surgeon, I’m here to share some crucial tips on how to protect your eyes and ensure a safe and joyous Diwali celebration.
Basic Steps for Eye Injury Prevention During Diwali
- Keep a Safe Distance
This might seem like a simple step, but it’s incredibly effective. Always keep your arm outstretched and face away when igniting a firecracker. Move far away from the burst zone to avoid any flying debris or loose sparks. This is especially crucial when it comes to children; never allow them near the action without the right supervision.
- Use Protective Glasses
If you have any underlying eye conditions, wearing protective glasses while bursting firecrackers is highly recommended. These glasses not only deflect flying debris but also provide an additional layer of protection against excessive heat.
- Avoid Contact Lenses
For those who wear contact lenses, it’s essential to be extra cautious. The smoke from fireworks can lead to irritation, and prolonged heat exposure can be harmful. It’s advisable to remove contact lenses and wear spare glasses while lighting up Diyas or firecrackers.
- Care for Irritation
In the event of irritation or itching caused by smoke or tiny particles in your eye, refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands. Rubbing your eyes can lead to further damage. Instead, splash water on your face and eyes to flush out impurities and find immediate relief.
- In Case of Injury
Immediate response is crucial in case of an emergency, such as unbearable pain, irritation, or bleeding in the eye due to debris or heat exposure. In case of bleeding, use water, an eye patch, or a sanitary cloth, but if you’re unsure what to do, it’s best to leave it alone for a specialist to treat the wounds.
Additional Do’s & Don’ts for Eye Injury Prevention During Diwali
Do’s:
- Always have an adult supervise children when they are playing with firecrackers.
- Only burst crackers in an open environment.
- Only use firecrackers purchased from licensed dealers and approved brands.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy, or at least a bucket of water and sand to douse any loose flames.
- Use long incense sticks to ignite the fireworks.
Don’ts:
- Do not buy unbranded firecrackers.
- Do not attempt to treat any injury on your own; rush to find a doctor immediately.
- Do not allow young children, especially toddlers, anywhere near firecrackers.
- Do not try to reignite a firework that didn’t go off; wait at least a few minutes before going anywhere near it.
- Do not ignite fireworks while holding them in your hands or pointing them towards someone.
This Diwali, let’s celebrate the festival of lights with not only joy but also with a commitment to safeguard our vision. By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure a safer and brighter Diwali for everyone. Have a happy and eye-safe Diwali!