The season of colours is back again. Holi without colours is meaningless and with colours your eyes and skin are in danger. The colours, which look so good, can be harmful to your eyes and skin.The commonly used synthetic colours are actually chemicals. They contain heavy metals like lead, which is harmful to the eyes and skin.

“Regrettably, most of the Holi colours sold these days contain many harmful chemicals. In fact most are dyes meant for industrial uses like dyeing textiles and are not meant to be applied on humans. All these are toxic and can result in anything from skin allergies to eye irritation to corneal ulcers,” says Dr Cyres Mehta, ophthalmologist.

The particles in colour powders (shining mica particles in gulal) can cause damage to the cornea.The patient will have pain and watering from the eye and if not treated on time it can cause ulcer or infection in the eye. The balloons used by children during Holi are most dangerous and can cause blunt eye injury.

 “Holi is regarded as the festival of joy and colours, but one should always be on alert while playing Holi because, if accident happens, it can ruin the spirit of that day. Also, one should always remember to use these small precautions so that no one gets hurt unknowingly,” says Vivek Mendonsa of Lawrence & Mayo.

  Tips to make Holi safe

*Avoid synthetic colours and use home-made colours.

*Water-colour balloons should not be used at all.

*If any colour goes in the eye, splash a lot of tap water in it.

*Ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from coloured water.

*Always put some amount of oil on your head and body.

*Use a hat, cap or anything like that to protect your hair from being collared with hard-to rinse dyes.

*While washing off the colour, use lukewarm water and keep your eyes tightly closed.

So enjoy Holi and play it in the right spirit but also take care of your eyes as these are your most priced possession.