Holi is joyful, but every year eye doctors treat irritation, allergic reactions, scratches and injuries from colours and water balloons.
Before you play
- Choose natural or herbal colours from trusted sources
- Wear sunglasses or protective glasses
- Remove contact lenses and wear glasses instead
- Apply a little coconut oil to the skin around the eyes, not inside them, to make colours easier to wash off
While playing
- Avoid throwing colours or water balloons at people’s faces
- Keep your eyes closed and turn away when colour is thrown
- Supervise children
If colour gets into your eyes
- Do not rub
- Rinse gently with plenty of clean, running water for several minutes
- Do not use any drops without advice
- See an eye doctor if pain, redness, watering, light sensitivity or blurred vision continues
A hit from a water balloon can cause serious injury. Get checked after any hard blow to the eye. See our eye injury first aid guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear contact lenses while playing Holi?
It is safer not to. Colours can get trapped under lenses and damage the cornea.
Is it safe to use rose water in my eyes after Holi?
Clean running water is safest. Avoid putting other liquids into your eyes.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.