Colours used to play Holi not only induce skin disorders, but also impair vision and cause respiratory problems
The colours used during Holi are toxic and contain a plethora of chemicals. They not only induce skin disorders like abrasion, irritation, itching but also impair vision and cause respiratory problems and even cancer.
Every year many city hospitals receive cases of minor and major eye injuryu00a0cases during Holi. Broadly, there are three categories of colours available in the market - pastes, dry powder and watercolours - all of which are hazardous. The hazard increases when these are mixed with oil and applied to the skin. The injuries caused are as follows:
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Chemical injury of the eye:
Some people lose or suffer severe damage to their eyes because of chemical injury caused by colours. A hit on the eye by a balloon may cause intraocular bleeding and can lead to a diminished vision.
Most of the time, the damage is small and reversible and with treatment and surgical repair the person may get his vision back.u00a0 But the at times the damage is irreparable.
The damage caused by colours and trauma to the eyes can cause:
1) Red eye:u00a0 Because of chemical irritation of colours, trauma and sub-conjunctival haemorrhage.
2) Watering, itching and pain:u00a0 Because of allergy to colours.
3) Blunt trauma to eye: Can lead to vitreous haemorrhage, hyphema, Berlin's edema, traumatic cataract, and sublaxation of lens.
4) Perforating injuries: Can lead to corneal scleral tears, ciliary/choroidal prolapse, retinal tears and detachment.
5) Damage to spectacles and contact lens, staining of lenses.
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The eye is a very delicate organ, and with trivial trauma the internal damage may be more devastating.
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First aid after mishaps:
When colour enters the eye, take clean water in a dish and wash the eye.u00a0
In case of ocular bleeding, cover the eyes with a clean cloth or cotton, put a sticking tape over it and rush to the nearest ophthalmic surgeon.u00a0u00a0
Dos:u00a0Freshly opened antibiotic eye-drops can be put in the eyesu00a0u00a0
Don'ts: 1) No household medicines, oils or old eye-drops should be put into the eyes, or the wound may get contaminated
2) Do not to touch, squeeze or massage the eye. Do not press the injured eye or bandage it tightlyu00a0
The treatment:
However, with modern techniques the ocular problems can be overcome. The treatment certainly depends upon the nature of damage tissue insult.
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1) External colour, foreign bodies can be removed with thorough eye wash with normal saline
2) Corneal and conjunctival laceration: Antibiotic eye drops and patching the eye may heal these small wounds and vision is regained
3) Blunt Trauma / Intraocular haemorrhage: The blood gets absorbed and treatment is advised to prevent complications.u00a0 Vision is usually regained
4) Perforating injuries: Generally surgical repair is indicated. Visual prognosis is guarded
5)u00a0 Retinal tear, detachment: With modern surgical techniques retina is reattached with favourable results in around 70 per cent cases.
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However, in severe injuries, even with the treatment, the visual outcome is guarded and the treatment is oriented towards cosmetic preservation of eye and saving finger vision.
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