'Eyes need care during Holi'

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ALLAHABAD: The Holi revellers while playing colours should also remain cautious about the eyes. Eye specialist and director, MD Eye Hospital, Dr SP Singh says, "Play Holi but prevent your eyes from getting infected. If colour enters the eyes, wash it with water till the irritation subsides and do not scrub the cornea."

Do not start self medication unless you consult the doctor, he cautioned. "Wash the hands thoroughly before splashing water in the eyes. Further, many water colours have an alkaline base which can cause severe problems if they enter the eyes as it can pose a great danger to one's vision. Colours in the form of paste have toxic compounds mixed in engine oil or other inferior quality oil and can cause skin allergy, temporary blindness, etc."

Synthetic colours used during Holi often contain lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium, iodine and copper sulphate, which cause skin irritation and even blindness in case of extreme exposure, Dr Singh said. Further, while giving pichkari (sprinklers) to children, avoid anything which has sharp edges. Refrain from buying sprinklers made of metals, he added.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Eyes-need-care-during-Holi/articleshow/5628961.cms