EYES AND FIRECRACKERS

Firecracker injuries can cause serious and irreparable damage to vision. In India, firecracker injuries are common during the festival of ‘Deepawali’ where traditionally; firecrackers form an essential part of the celebrations.

Majority of people who are involved in firecracker injuries are adolescent children, males and commonly onlookers .Bombs followed by sparklers are most common cause of injury. Rockets and bombs are associated with serious injury.

Not wearing any protective eye wear is a very common mistake which we repent later.

Many of the injuries are caused as a result of negligence of those igniting the firecrackers. Some severe injuries are caused by malfunctioning of firecrackers. In some cases, the attempt to reignite or recover a failed device was the cause of injury.

 Absence of parental supervision, and failure to maintain safe distance from firecrackers were contributory in some cases of injuries. The other major cause of injury is the common practice of igniting firecrackers in the streets thus exposing passers-by to injury.

If an eye injury from fireworks occurs, remember:

• ·        Seek medical attention immediately.
• ·        Do not rub your eyes.
• ·        Do not rinse your eyes.
• ·        Do not apply pressure.
• ·        Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
• ·        Do not apply ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

The single most effective measure may be to restrict the fireworks to public open spaces (such as parks or playgrounds). Regulating the quality of firecrackers and promoting safe use via schools and media will also have a positive impact

Kajal (kohl) ... and your eyes

‘Kajal’ (Kohl) is a popular eye care product and its use has been reported since ancient times. Kohl (surma) has been defined as an eye preparation in ultra fine form of specially processed “Kohl Stone” (galena) incorporated with some other therapeutically active ingredients. there are lots of myths associated with kajal use. It has been claimed to keep the eyes cool and clean, improve vision and strengthen the eyes. It has also been used for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases such as blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis etc. It is also said to ward off an ‘evil eye’. My experience as an eye specialist is contradictory.

As an eye specialist, I see a lot of kajal associated chronic eye allergies, infections/chronic conjunctivitis, uneven conjunctival surface, chronic dryness, kajal deposits on under lid surface. Eyes often give a bleary, tired, congested and murky off white appearance with discharge in corners which is not beautiful…!!!

Most people believe that home- made kajal is very safe, good for eyes.

Home-made kajal of any kind…badam, oil, ghee or herbs, is finally burnt carbon preparation on which bacteria grow within 6 hours. No wonder regular application of any such preparation leads to chronic infections.

Most commercially produced ‘kajal’ contain high levels of lead. Studies have revealed that ‘Kajal’ comprises of galena (PbS), minium (Pb3O4), amorphous carbon, magnetite (Fe3O4), and zincite (ZnO). Prolonged application may cause excessive lead storage in the body, affecting the brain and bone marrow, causing convulsions and anemia.

Dirty fingers, sharp and uneven fingernails of the caregivers are potentially harmful to the child’s eyes. I distinctly remember two kids with corneal ulcers and losing good vision, post regular kajal applications from periphery.

Make-Up Safety: What's the Concern?

Eye make-up and cosmetics can enhance your appearance. Adding a little mascara, eye liner and eye shadow is easy and fun. However, applying make-up can be harmful to eyes if applied carelessly. Issues can range from allergic reactions, to eye infections, to serious injuries.

Though extreme, the most serious eye issues caused by make-up application could involve injury to the cornea, which is the front part of the eye's surface. Corneal injuries usually cause pain and always necessitate quick medical attention. Other eye make-up application issues can be caused by bacteria growing inside the cosmetic containers or on the surface of make-up applicators. If precautions are not taken when applying make-up, bacteria can be transferred directly to your eyes.

Make-Up and Contact Lenses

Wearing contacts does not exclude you from being able to wear eye make-up. Contact lenses are designed with the understanding that users may wear make-up. If you do wear contact lenses, following the make-up safety tips below can help you look -- and see -- better!

• Insert contact lenses prior to applying make-up to help avoid residue transfer
• If your eyes feel dry, use re-wetting drops prior to make-up application
• Never sleep in your make-up, especially if you wear contacts
• Always remove contacts prior to removing make-up
• Replace eye make-up every three to four months

General Dos and Don'ts of Eye Make-Up Application

Following these tips will help keep your eyes healthy:

• Buy new make-up every six months, at minimum -- more often if you wear contact lenses
• Make sure make-up containers are closed tightly when not in use
• Never use saliva or water to thin out old or clumpy make-up
• Never use a safety pin or other sharp object to separate eyelashes
• Never share make-up with friends
• Do not apply make-up on the inside of your lash line
• Never use an old applicator in a new make-up container
• Don't use cosmetics if you have an eye infection. If you develop have an eye infection, replace your eye make-up immediately after you heal.
• Always wash hands before applying make-up
• Keep eye pencils sharpened to prevent scratches to the eyelid
• Store make-up properly and keep it away from extreme heat
• Only use make-up on the eyes that is intended for the eyes

In addition to these make-up safety tips, always use common sense. If your make-up turns a different color, begins to clump or starts to smell, throw it out. Check with your eye care professional if you feel you have a make-up-related eye issue.

HAPPY HOLI….WITH GLEAMING EYES

Infection in eye due to Holi:

 Synthetic colours used in Holi contain heavy metals like lead, which causes pink eye, chemical burn, corneal abrasion or blunt eye injury.

 Avoid water balloons as it can cause blunt eye injury or even head injury. The shining mica particles in colours can cause damage to the cornea.

Avoid wearing contact lenses as colour may get trapped between lenses resulting in infection. Contact lenses may also absorb some of the harmful chemicals, aggravating the problem due to continued exposure.

Eye care during Holi:

1. Protect your eyes with sunglass or protective eye wear during Holi

2. Tie your hair or use a cap to prevent colour dripping in the eyes.

3. Never rub your eyes if colour gets into them as it may cause irritation or vision loss

4. Apply thick layer of coconut oil around eyes, so that colour can be removed easily without any harm to eyes.

5. While playing request the person to not to smear the colours near eyes.

Keep water guns away from the face: Water guns and pichkaris, if aimed directly at the face, hold the potential to cause serious damage to the eyes. Wearing protective eye wear while playing with water guns is also highly recommended

Tips to play safe Holi

1. Avoid using toxic colour on children

2. While washing off the colour, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes tightly closed.

3. Try avoiding dark colours as they stick to the skin and harder to remove

4. Apply cream or oil before venturing out for Holi

5. Oil and cover your hair to protect them from colours

6. Keep anti allergic tablets handy. Avoid playing Holi if you are prone to skin allergies

7. Avoid running on wet floors.