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Getting color in your eyes can be uncomfortable, but with the right measures, serious damage can be prevented
While these colors add joy to the occasion, they can sometimes cause discomfort or even serious harm if they get into your eyes
Holi, festivals, and holidays often bring an explosion of bright colors. While these colors add joy to the occasion, they can sometimes cause discomfort or even serious harm if they get into your eyes. Many synthetic colours contain harmful chemicals that can lead to irritation, redness, or infections. Acting quickly and correctly can help prevent further damage and ensure rapid recovery.
Dr. Saumya Sharma, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, shares five important steps that should be taken immediately if color enters your eyes.
1. Do Not Rub Your Eyes
The first instinct when something enters the eye is to rub it, but this can be dangerous. Rubbing can push the color particles deeper into the eyes, leading to increased irritation, corneal scratches, or even infections. Instead of rubbing, close your eyes and blink immediately to stimulate natural tear production. This helps flush out some foreign particles.
2. Rinse Your Eyes with Clean Water
One of the most effective ways to remove color from your eyes is by thoroughly rinsing them with clean, lukewarm water. Use a gentle stream of water and let it flow over your eyes for at least 10-15 minutes. If possible, use a sterile saline solution, as it is more soothing and effective in removing irritants. Tilt your head slightly so the contaminated water flows away from the unaffected eye. Avoid using soap, shampoo, or any other chemical products near your eyes, as they can worsen the irritation.
3. Use Artificial Tears or Eye Drops
After rinsing your eyes, lubricating them with preservative-free artificial tears or eye drops can help reduce dryness and irritation. This step is particularly important if you still feel discomfort after washing. Eye drops help soothe the eyes and flush out any remaining particles that water may not have removed. If you do not have eye drops readily available, try blinking multiple times to stimulate natural tear production.
4. Avoid Home Remedies and Seek Medical Help if Needed
Many people resort to home remedies like applying rose water, milk, or herbal extracts to their eyes. However, this can be dangerous as these substances are not sterile and may introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. If irritation persists, your vision becomes blurry, or you experience excessive redness or swelling, seek medical help immediately. An eye specialist can assess any damage and provide appropriate treatment to prevent long-term complications.
5. Protect Your Eyes from Further Exposure
After rinsing your eyes and applying soothing drops, take precautions to avoid further irritation. Stay away from areas where colors are being thrown, and wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses or goggles if you need to go outside. Resting your eyes and staying in a clean environment can help speed up the recovery process. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and avoid using them until your eyes feel completely normal.
Getting color in your eyes can be uncomfortable, but with the right measures, serious damage can be prevented. Always prioritize using natural and organic colors to reduce the risk of eye irritation during festivals and celebrations. Additionally, wearing protective glasses or applying a light layer of oil around the eyes can help prevent color from sticking to the skin. If symptoms persist despite first aid measures, consult an eye specialist to ensure your vision remains safe and unaffected.
