Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, and it is celebrated in every nook and corner of India. Beautiful rangolis, glittering lights, family get-togethers, and tasty food are the essentials of Diwali. Amidst all the festive delight, a rather sorrowful fact comes to light-the hazardous rise in air pollution by crackers and fireworks. As we all are enjoying the beauty of Diwali, it becomes quite crucial to understand how this pollution can affect the health of our eyes and how to protect it from it.
The Silent Killers of Diwali Fireworks
Fireworks may light up the dark night sky but are also letting loose a cocktail of harmful chemicals, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. This is PM2.5 and PM10 which bring about some serious impacts on eye health in the following ways:
1. Dry Eyes
Smoke and particulates from fireworks can disrupt the natural tear film, causing dry itchy eyes that irritate.
2. Allergic reactions
Chemicals can cause allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by swelling, redness, and overreaction, heavy tearing.
3. Eye irritation
The delicate surface of the eye can be irritated by pollutants, with a burning sensation and gritty eyes.
4. Light sensitivity
Bright flits of firework sparks create photophobia, thus not a very comfortable state at all when bright lights fall into oneтАЩs sight.
Whose at Greater Risk?
Even as most people can endure problems through eyes during Diwali, it is also those some are more likely:
Kids: Their eyes have high reactivity to pollutants
People Who Use Contact Lenses: Pollutants and small bits tend to get clogged to irritate
* Those Suffering from Some Past or Chronic Eye Disease : Worst symptoms can hit during the festival.
* Elderly People: There is a decrease in the production of tears with age; hence, the elderly more easily suffer from dryness and irritation.
*Tips to Protect Your Eyes This Diwali*
While you cannot avoid all pollution, you can take simple precautions to protect your eyes when the festival arrives:
1. Avoid Venturing Out
In the evening, pollution hits its peak, mainly during the fireworks. If at all you step out, make sure you wear shades to protect your eyes.
2. Use Ayurvedic Eye Drops
Consider using soothing Ayurvedic eye drops to reduce dryness. Look for eye drops that are specifically made for sensitive eyes.
3. Hydrate
Hydration keeps your eyes moist and your body healthy.
4. DonтАЩt Rub Your Eyes
Rubs can make the problem worse. Use a clean tissue or sterile eye drops to clean your eyes.
5. The 20-20-20 Rule
Reduce eye strain by gazing at an object 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. It is especially necessary during prolonged periods of screen exposure.
6. Air Purifiers
Air purifiers ensure that air is cleaned of harmful pollutants and allergens within the home.
7. Hygiene
Clean your face and eyes by frequently washing off deposited pollutants. Eyes should be rinsed with cold water to relieve irritation.
Ayurvedic Tips for Eye Care During Diwali
Harness the wisdom of Ayurveda for eye care this festive season:
* Triphala Eye Wash: This is an ancient remedy that cleans and soothes irritated eyes and reduces dryness.
* Netra Tarpana Therapy: This is a nourishing treatment using medicated ghee or oil around the eyes and prevents dryness.
* Ayurvedic Eye Drops: Natural ingredients like honey, rose water, and amla can refresh and soothe your eyes.
Celebrate Wisely
Diwali is at hand and so are your lights and laughter, so be careful about your eyes. Simple measures and natural remedies can help greatly. So let the shine of the festival come out while the happiness of revelries never brings a problem to your eyes!
