Keep An Eye On Safety This Diwali : Expert Tips To Protect Your Eyes During the Festivities

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Everyone is excited to end this month with a whole lot of noise, light and celebrations, bursting firecrackers and lighting diyas this Diwali 2024. And as we gather together to have a gala time with our family and friends there are certain things that need to be kept in mind to make it a happy and safe celebration.

Dr Shalini Singh, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the LVPEI (LV Prasad Eye Institute) Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad has this to say, "Diwali holds a special place in our hearts as a time of celebration, exuberance and togetherness. A few precautions alongside the excitement of lights, firecrackers, and family gatherings, will ensure that our celebrations remain joyful and safe for everyone."

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

Dos And Don'ts In Case Of An Eye Injury

Dos

Do Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get the injured person to an eye care professional or emergency room as quickly as possible

Do Rinse the Eye Gently: If there is any debris in the eye, rinse it gently with clean water or saline solution. Avoid using any other substances

Do Protect the Eye: If possible, place a clean, dry cloth or an eye shield over the eye to prevent movement or additional injury

Do Keep the Eye Closed: Keep the injured eye closed to avoid further damage.

Do Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to any instructions given by a medical professional after the initial examination

Don'ts

Don't Apply Pressure: Avoid putting any pressure on the injured eye, as this could worsen the injury

Don't Rub the Eye: Refrain from touching or rubbing the injured eye, as this can exacerbate the injury

Don't Use Home Remedies: Do not use ointments, creams, or any home remedies on the eye without professional guidance

Don't Remove Objects: If there is a foreign object lodged in the eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself

Don't Wait to Seek Help: Don't delay seeking medical care, even if the injury seems minor; prompt treatment is crucial

Don't Drive Yourself: If the injured person needs medical attention, do not let them drive. Arrange for someone else to take them

Don't Ignore Symptoms: Watch for worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, vision changes, or excessive bleeding, and seek help immediately if they occur

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

Dr. Shalini offers another set of dos and don'ts with regards to firecrackers for a safe and enjoyable Diwali:

Dos

Purchase fireworks only from authorised manufacturers and ensure they are thoroughly dried in the sun for two days

Safely store firecrackers in cardboard boxes, out of children's reach, and away from flammable materials like gas cylinders or oil cans

Always supervise children closely while they play with firecrackers

Allow only one person to light a firecracker at a time while others watch from a safe distance

Choose open areas for lighting firecrackers

Utilise long candles or phuljhar to ignite firecrackers

Keep two buckets of water nearby to douse any burns immediately, and for more severe burns, wrap the victim in a clean bed sheet and rush them to the hospital

Always wear protective shatterproof goggles when bursting firecrackers

Don'ts

Avoid lighting crackers while holding them in your hand

Refrain from bending over firecrackers while lighting them

Never light crackers inside a container, such as a bottle, tin can, or overturned pot, as this can be highly hazardous

Exercise patience and avoid approaching firecrackers that do not ignite immediately

Do not collect leftover firecrackers to create homemade versions or carry them in your pocket

Keep firecrackers away from burning candles, diyas, or agarbattis

Wear thick cotton clothing, avoiding synthetic materials when lighting crackers

Secure all clothing tightly; loose garments can be dangerous

Avoid applying creams, ointments, or oils to a burnt area

Do not ignite flying fireworks during heavy winds

As we celebrate this beautiful festival, let's commit to celebrate responsibly and keep the festivities safe for all. May the festival illuminate our lives with happiness and prosperity. Wishing you all a happy and safe Diwali!

Information Attributed to : L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.