HYDERABAD: With our country achieving the fabulous milestone of a billion Covid shots administered, waning Covid case numbers, a bull run in the stock markets, tourism picking up again, a general sense of euphoria and relief, one can only say that the festive season is truly upon us, and we can expect it to be a — ‘Dhamaka’ Diwali!
“Diwali is probably the biggest festival in our country and with the stress and toll that Covid put us through last year, I am sure people want to spare no excuse in indulgence this time around. Diwali is one of the busiest and stressful times for an eye doctor and for good reason, a kitchen running overtime, lamps, lightings and fireworks — well there’s a recipe for disaster if there ever was! While I am all in for the celebrations, I also would like my readers to exercise caution,” says Dr Satya Prasad Balki, M.S F.C.A.S (AEH), Consultant ophthalmologist, MaxiVision Eye Hospitals.
Our body has an instinctive mechanism to close the eyes shut when it expects an injury but sometimes its not adequate. If we look at the structure of the eye, the outermost part called the cornea is transparent and allows light to enter the eye and give vision, it is similar a watch glass and any kind of trauma to it usually leaves a permanent scar which results in diminished vision.
Hot oil from the lamps or while cooking can fall in the eyes and cause scalding of the superficial layers of the eye, electrical burn injuries from faulty wiring and lights can cause thermal burn injuries. Of all fireworks can cause the most damage, as they are akin to the effects of a blast injury albeit on a smaller scale, injuries to the eye vary from small foreign body to severe penetrating injury requiring immediate surgical intervention.
First aid guide
Precautions