As the festival of colours, Holi, is still celebrated in some parts of the country, we should not overlook the health of our eyes that might have come in contact with colors. During this time, eyes are exposed to various dangerous chemicals mixed with water during Holi, which can seriously irritate or cause problems like redness, watering, and even damage the eyes. It is, therefore important that you follow these essential tips to prevent such damage.

Get ready for the celebration
Before you play Holi, lightly coat the area around the eyes with coconut, mustard, or olive oil. This prevents the hues from penetrating the skin too deeply, making them safe. Use a small amount of petroleum jelly or cold cream to shield your lips and eyes from colour. By doing this, the colours won't stick to the sensitive areas.

Use only natural and organic colours
Organic and natural hues should be utilised to safeguard not only the eyes but also the ecology as a whole. This also aids with skin protection. It's simple to make herbal and natural hues with common household ingredients like veggies, beetroot, and turmeric.

Do not wear contact lenses
Avoid using contact lenses on Holi at all. This is because particles of colour and water may become lodged in the lenses, irritating the eyes and perhaps leading to infections. It is safer to wear glasses instead.

Protect the eyes with protective glasses
Since there is a high chance of colours entering the eyes, protect them by wearing swimming goggles or sunglasses with tight fitting around them.

Use eye drops
To further protect the eyes from any damage, you can consult an ophthalmologist for artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. This will create a shield against any kind of infection.

Drink plenty of water
When playing Holi, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Drink fresh juices, coconut water, and Thandai to keep your energy levels up all day.

Don't rub your eyes
Avoid rubbing your eyes if colour gets inside them, which may result in abrasions. Rather, rinse right away with cool, clean water.

Don't self medicate
Do not self-medicate during Holi if you experience itching, watering, or redness or simply cannot see well. Consult an eye doctor right away and refrain from taking any over-the-counter medications.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and joyful Holi while keeping your eyes healthy!