Festivals are a time for colour, light and celebration, but each one brings its own risks to the eyes, from firecrackers and Holi colours to kite strings, costume contact lenses, desert sun and long fasts. These guides from Sadbhaav Eye Clinic, Ahmedabad, explain how to protect your family's eyes and what to do if something goes wrong.
| Festival | When | Main eye risk |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali | October or November | Firecracker burns and blast injuries, smoke irritation |
| Holi | February or March | Chemical colours, water balloons |
| Uttarayan (kite festival) | 14–15 January | Manja cuts, sun glare, terrace falls |
| Navratri and Garba | September or October | Eye makeup, coloured lenses, late nights |
| Ramadan and Eid | Moves about 11 days earlier each year | Missed eye drops, dehydration, dry eyes |
| Hajj and Umrah | Hajj in Dhul Hijjah; Umrah all year | Sun, dust, dry eyes, infection |
| New Year, July 4th and other fireworks | 31 December, 4 July, 5 November, Lunar New Year | Fireworks and sparkler injuries |
| Halloween | 31 October | Costume contact lenses, makeup |
ગુજરાતીમાં વાંચો: દિવાળીમાં આંખની સલામતી · હોળી-ધુળેટીમાં આંખની સંભાળ · ઉત્તરાયણમાં આંખની સલામતી · નવરાત્રિ અને ગરબામાં આંખની સંભાળ
In India, Diwali firecrackers, Holi colours and water balloons, and Uttarayan kite strings cause the most festival eye injuries. Worldwide, fireworks at New Year and national holidays are the main cause.
Do not rub or press the eye. Rinse with clean water only if a powder or chemical went in and the eye is not cut. If the eye may be cut or has something stuck in it, cover it loosely and go to an eye hospital immediately.
It is safer to wear spectacles during Holi, Diwali, kite flying and Hajj. If you wear lenses for garba or a party, never sleep in them and remove them at once if the eye hurts.
Related: Eye injury and emergency treatment, Contact lens care, How to put eye drops.
Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Message us on WhatsApp or call. Clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.
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