Dry holi Vs water holi: Which is better and safe for your eye health?

• Dry Holi is safer if colours are applied gently, says Dr Wahi
• Water balloons and strong sprays can cause serious eye injuries
• Wear sunglasses and avoid rubbing eyes to protect during Holi

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Holi is one of the most fun festivals where even serious adults become carefree and enjoy their time playing with colours. While slipping into old clothes and celebrating with loved ones brings joy, it is equally important to take care of the eyes.

Dr Anurag Wahi, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, tells Moneycontrol, “Every year, after Holi, eye clinics see a noticeable rise in patients walking in with red, irritated, watering eyes. Some complain of burning that won’t settle. Others come in because vision has suddenly turned blurry.”

Dry Holi or water Holi: Which is safer?

Dry Holi, played with coloured powders, may seem like the gentler option. After all, it’s just gulal, right? The issue lies in how fine those particles are. When thrown into the air, they easily enter the eyes. Even if the packet says herbal, it doesn’t guarantee purity.

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“Many powders contain fillers that irritate the sensitive surface of the eye. The biggest mistake people make is rubbing their eyes immediately. That friction can scratch the cornea, leading to pain, watering and light sensitivity that may last days,” warns Dr Wahi.

Water Holi, on the other hand, brings force into the picture. Water balloons thrown from close range can hit the eye with surprising intensity. Adds Dr Wahi, “We have seen cases of swelling, bruising and even internal eye injuries caused by a balloon impact. Strong pichkari jets aimed directly at the face can also cause damage. Coloured water may sting more because dissolved dyes spread quickly across the eye’s surface.”

According to the doctor, if you compare the two, dry Holi usually carries a lower risk of serious trauma, but only if colours are applied gently. The moment play turns aggressive, both styles become equally risky.

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How to protect your eyes

Dr Wahi suggests the following tips to protect your eyes while playing Holi. “Simple steps make a big difference,” he says.

• Wearing sunglasses acts as a barrier against both powder and splashes.
• Applying a thin layer of coconut oil or petroleum jelly around the eyes helps prevent colours from sticking.
• Most importantly, avoid aiming balloons or forceful sprays at someone’s face.
• Children need extra supervision, as they tend to rub their eyes harder and may not explain discomfort clearly.
• If colour does enter the eye, stay calm. Rinse gently with clean running water for a few minutes. Avoid rose water, milk or over-the-counter drops unless prescribed.
• If redness, pain or blurred vision continues, seek medical help promptly. Early care prevents complications.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.