Post-Festival Eye Care: Managing Irritation and Allergies After Diwali – News18

Last Updated:October 30, 2024, 09:00 IST

One can easily steer clear of eye problems after Diwali and celebrate the festivities to the maximum without affecting their eyesight with these precautions

While people might overlook these discomforts during the festivities, symptoms like dryness, itchiness, and redness tend to intensify afterward

Diwali is a joyful celebration, but the tradition of bursting firecrackers—and the resulting pollution—often leads to eye irritation and allergies for many. While people might overlook these discomforts during the festivities, symptoms like dryness, itchiness, and redness tend to intensify afterward. These symptoms can signal inflammation and may cause significant discomfort, potentially triggering allergic reactions.

Common Post-Diwali Eye Issues

Due to airborne irritants in the atmosphere during the festival of lights, the eyes endure significant stress, leading to common post-Diwali issues such as:

1. Dryness and ItchingParticles and smoke emissions can negatively impact the glands responsible for eye moisture, resulting in excessive dryness and discomfort.
2. Redness and WateringSuch exposure activates the immune system of the eye resulting in the overproduction of tears that act as an inflammatory substance.
3. Allergic ReactionsWhile pollution does not bother some people, many do suffer allergic reactions from irritants that can be found in fumes, vapors and even household dust.

How to Manage Eye Irritation After Diwali: Recommendations From Eye Specialist

According to Dr Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, post-Diwali pollution and seasonal changes often lead to dry, irritated eyes. “For anyone experiencing dryness, preservative-free artificial tears are a good choice,” he recommends. “These drops work effectively to rehydrate the eyes and help lubricate any irritating particles that may have been stuck on the surface during the festivities.”

Dr. Sanduja also underscores the importance of hydration. “The importance of drinking sufficient amounts of water cannot be overemphasized, as it prevents the skin as well as the eyes from drying out. This can help restore the moisture barrier in the eyes and minimize further irritation,” he explains. Maintaining this hydration routine after Diwali can prevent excessive dryness and soothe eye discomfort.

Adding to the conversation, Dr. Digvijay Singh, Director at Noble Eye Care, Gurugram, emphasizes the need to avoid actions that may worsen irritation. “If people rub or touch their eyes after exposure to pollution or dust, they may be causing micro-abrasions on the cornea, making it worse,” he cautions. “These tiny cuts in the cornea increase the risk of infection.” If the urge to rub your eyes arises, Dr. Singh suggests a safer alternative: “Use a cold compress instead to relieve the discomfort.”

For those prone to allergies, Dr. Singh recommends antihistamine eye drops, which can help reduce itchiness and redness from allergens. However, she advises against excessive or unsupervised use. “These drops can help reduce ‘itchy eyes’ and even redness, which may arise from a few sprays. However, their application should be limited to practitioner-recommended use. Over-reliance on these drops can ultimately cause more harm than good,” warns Dr Singh.

When to Seek Medical Help

It is common for patients to experience redness and mild irritation in their eyes, and such cases typically do not require medical assistance. However, if these mild symptoms persist for more than three consecutive days, it is essential to consult an eye professional. Moderate to severe redness, an increased amount of tear production, or changes in the retinal appearance warrant urgent attention, as these can be strong indicators of possible infection or serious health concerns. Sudden onset of unbearable pain, macular haziness, excessive local irritation, or swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the eye are alarming symptoms that require immediate intervention from an eye specialist to prevent permanent damage.

To mitigate post-Diwali eye problems and enjoy the festivities without compromising your eyesight, consider the following tips recommended by experts.

As a start, make sure to use artificial tears, so your eyes are well lubricated, and drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

Avoiding eye rubbing can help in alleviating chances of further aggravating the infection; use sunglasses outdoors instead to shield the eyes from dust.

With the help of these precautions, one can easily steer clear of eye problems after Diwali and celebrate the festivities to the maximum without affecting their eyesight.

Although Diwali has ended, these post-care recommendations from eye specialists will help you cherish the memories of the festive period without suffering from any eye irritations or allergies.