Holi 2022: Precautions To Avoid Blindness, Eye Infections Due To Use Of Chemical Colors

The festival of colours is celebrated on a very large scale. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, there are restrictions being imposed on the celebration across the state and nation.

Every year, especially in the pre-COVID era, many cases are recorded due to synthetic colours and water balloons during Holi in India.

Synthetic colours contain harmful chemicals like copper sulphate, mercury sulphite, lead chromate, and irritants like sand, glass powder which could result in eye irritation or even in blindness.

Explaining about eye infections in Holi, Dr. Mehul Sanghavi Consulting eye surgeon from Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar said, “The Holi color is usually made of talc, corn flour/rice flour to create a dust-like texture. Besides, the powder contains anticaking agents (sodium bicarbonate, tricalcium phosphate or silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate) and fragrances. Exposure to these chemicals can cause eye allergy, infection, temporary blindness and conjunctivitis. Our eyes are among those body parts, which are extremely susceptible during playing Holi.”

Meanwhile, water balloons are the most dangerous and cause blunt trauma to the eye which may lead to bleeding in the eye, lens subluxation or dislocation, macular edema or retinal detachment and other emergencies which require urgent medical management. This may lead to loss of vision or even loss of an eye.

“We can easily substitute the harmful chemicals with besan, palash leaves, beetroot soaked in water, henna powder, gulmohar, hibiscus flowers and many others for making all types of colours. Herbal gulal is also available in the market these days,” he further added.

Here are some Precautions advised by Dr. Sanghavi:

• Do not forget to apply coconut oil, petroleum jelly or any good cold cream around the eyes before playing with colors on Holi. It will help to remove the color on the eyes easily, but the color falling on the eyes also sticks to the eyelids and the eyes are protected.
• You can cover your eyes by using sun glasses or spectacles and it will ensure protection of your eyes to some extent.
• Ensure that you are not wearing contact lenses while playing Holi and if you can’t play without it, be extra careful not to get color into your eyes.
• Use of organic gulaals is suggested as they are soft, chemical-free and safe to the human skin as certified by IIRT.
• In case there is an eye injury due to a high speed water balloon, do not attempt to clean the eye as the water may be contaminated and cause infection. Shut your eyes and rush to the nearest hospital in your area.

Moreover, it also advised to use herbal colours, which are made from dried flower petals and natural ingredients like turmeric, neem and Palash. Surbhi Bansal, Founder of Nirmalaya, who is on a mission of utilising religious wastes like sacred flower petals. says, "What's better than being able to bring a positive change in the lives of people and make the world a better place to live in."