PROTECTING YOUR EYES DURING FESTIVALS

As we prepare for the festive season, it’s important to keep eye safety top of mind. Festivals are a time of joy and celebration, but they are often accompanied by activities that might result in eye injury if proper measures are not followed. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, new year sports, participating in colour festivals, or decorating your home, here are detailed strategies to protect your vision and prevent ocular injuries during this festive time.
1. Wear appropriate eyewear
Invest in high-quality protective eyewear when attending events involving fireworks. Look for safety glasses or goggles that meet safety standards to shield your eyes from sparks, particles, or stray projectiles. Proper eyewear is especially important for children who may be more vulnerable to eye injuries during festivities.
2. Maintain a safe distance from fireworks
When enjoying fireworks displays, ensure you’re at a safe viewing distance. Respect the approved viewing locations and stay at least 500 feet away from aerial fireworks shows. If setting off fireworks at home, strictly follow safety instructions and keep viewers, especially children, at a safe distance.
3. Protect eyes from colours or powders
During sports that use flour, powder and coloured water it would be better to use protective eyewear like sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from direct contact with them. Avoid rubbing your eyes with hands and promptly rinse with clean water if any powder accidentally gets into your eyes.
4. Be cautious with decorations
When decorating your house or venue, keep an eye out for any risks. To avoid accidental eye injuries caused by sharp edges or falling items, ensure that all decorations are properly attached and positioned away from eye level.
5. Educate children on eye safety
Children are especially exposed to eye injuries at festivals because of their excitement and curiosity. Teach them about the importance of avoiding inappropriate behaviour around fireworks or decorations. Encourage them to wear protective eyewear if participating in activities with potential eye risks.
6. Respond promptly to eye injuries
If an eye injury occurs, act swiftly. Avoid rubbing and seek immediate medical attention if there’s persistent pain, redness, or impaired vision. Delaying treatment can worsen the injury and lead to complications.
7. Stay informed and comply with safety guidelines
Stay updated on local safety regulations and guidelines for festival activities. Follow all safety recommendations provided by authorities to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries during celebrations.
By including these detailed precautions into your festive plans, you can assure a safer and more enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones. Prioritizing eye safety during festivals is essential for protecting your vision and preventing unnecessary injuries that might ruin the fun.
Remember that taking preventative precautions now can protect your vision for many more enjoyable festivities to come.
Research findings
These research findings highlight important insights and recommendations regarding the prevention of ocular injuries during festive occasions.
Research Title: Ocular firework injuries among patients presented to the emergency department during festival season in a Tertiary Eye Hospital
The study by Manandhar and colleagues (2024) investigated ocular injuries caused by fireworks during festival seasons, finding that over half of the patients (55.30%) treated at a tertiary eye hospital’s emergency department had firework-related ocular injuries. Young adults under 30 years old, particularly males, were most affected, with firecrackers being the leading cause of injuries due to their widespread availability. The research highlighted specific festival-associated risks, such as the Chaat festival, where crowded and unsupervised environments contributed to higher injury rates. Importantly, many injuries occurred among viewers rather than active participants, emphasizing the need for broader public awareness and safety measures during festive events. The findings highlight the importance of implementing stricter regulations on fireworks usage and promoting educational campaigns to prevent ocular injuries and ensure safer celebrations for all.

Research Title: Firecracker eye injuries during Deepavali festival: A case series
Kumar et al. (2010) studied ocular injuries caused by firecrackers during the Deepavali festival in India, analyzing 51 cases ranging from minor burns to severe globe ruptures. Many victims were viewers rather than those lighting the firecrackers. Bombs, sparklers, and homemade devices were often used, with bottle rockets causing serious injuries. Negligence, device malfunctions, and unsafe practices such as setting off fireworks in public places all contributed to the high injury rate. The study highlights the urgent need for public education on firecracker safety, parental supervision, and stricter regulations to prevent these avoidable injuries during festive celebrations.

Research Title: Prevention of Ocular Injuries
In his study, Hamza (2016) highlights the importance of preventing eye injuries through three key methods: raising awareness, using protective eyewear, and implementing law changes. Eye injuries can happen from accidents involving objects, chemicals, or certain activities. For example, sports can lead to eye injuries, especially in children, but wearing protective eyewear like goggles or helmets can reduce these risks. Laws managing the use of protective gear in sports has successfully lowered injury rates. Fireworks are another common cause of eye injuries during festivals, particularly among children. Strict laws and public education about fireworks safety can help prevent these injuries. Chemical burns and laser exposure also pose risks, and protective eyewear and quick treatment are important for prevention. Overall, combining awareness, protective gear, and laws can significantly reduce the occurrence of eye injuries in different settings.

References

Manandhar A, Mukharjee T, Karn RR. Ocular Firework Injuries among Patients Presented to the Emergency Department During Festival Season in a Tertiary Eye Hospital. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2024 Feb 24;62(270):99-102. doi: 10.31729/jnma.8433. PMID: 38409985; PMCID: PMC10924514.
Kumar R, Puttanna M, Sriprakash KS, Sujatha Rathod BL, Prabhakaran VC. Firecracker eye injuries during Deepavali festival: a case series. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2010;58(2):157-159. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.6009
Hamza, Hany. (2016). Prevention of Ocular Injuries. Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System. 4. 10.15406/aovs.2016.04.00122.