Holi is a festival of joy and togetherness. However, children may take eye protection lightly and overplay. Unfortunately, eye injuries and infections are more common as the festival is played. Caution and protective measures are most important for children with contact lenses.



Why Are Children’s Eyes More Sensitive on HoliHoli children’s more delicate eyes will be more vulnerable and exposed to sensitivities. Eye infections are caused by irritants and contaminants in the Holi colors, as well as synthetic colors and contaminated water. Some Holi colors are known to contain irritants, chemical dyes and heavy metals. Eye infections may occur as colors in the eyes may mix with sweat and water. Eye scratching can also cause serious eye injuries like corneal abrasions.



Contact Lenses and Holi: How to increase the risk of serious eye injuryIf your kid uses contact lenses, we suggest they do not use them while celebrating Holi. The reason? The tiny color particles and chemicals used to celebrate Holi will get trapped between the contact lens and their eye. The potential consequences of this include:





  • Severe eye irritation and in extreme cases - chemical injury

  • Allergic conjunctivitis

  • Corneal ulcers

  • Eye infections

Contact lenses also absorb chemicals and become difficult to remove after the party. Not even daily disposable contact lenses are safe to use. Kids should not wear contact lenses while playing Holi. Instead, they should wear their spectacles. Spectacles provide some protection and will not expose them to the color as much as contact lenses would.