Kids, contact lenses and holi: Essential eye protection tips for a safe and joyful celebration
ETimes | March 4, 2026 4:39 PM CST
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:
Eye Protection Tips for ParentsThe most important part of the day will be ensuring the most protection for your kids. Follow these simple and highly effective suggestions:
1. Use Eye Protection
Remind and encourage your kids to wear some kind of eye protection. The best option is a pair of wrap-around sunglasses. These provide the most protection from chemicals and colors used to celebrate Holi.
2. Oil the Skin Around the Eyes
Make sure to do this when they get outside. This will keep the color from getting to the skin and will increase their chances of getting the color washed off. very thin layer applied around the eye on eyelid skin
3. Don’t Rub Eyes
Children will have to learn not to rub their eyes if colors enter them. Rubbing their eyes can push particles deeper and could possibly scratch their cornea.
4. Rinse With Clean Water
If colors enter the eyes, rinse them immediately with running water. Don’t rinse with rose water, or homemade remedies and don’t use any eye drops unless a doctor prescribes them.
5. No Water Balloons
Water balloons can burst and cause blunt trauma to the eyes, possibly resulting in serious damage. Parents should provide strict supervision.
Symptoms After Holi That Need Immediate Attention After Holi if you see any of the following symptoms, get medical assistance.
Eye Care After HoliAfter Holi, ensure that the children wash their hands before touching their face. After a Holi celebration, wash their face with soap and water. If irritation and discomfort are present, do not use contact lenses until a doctor takes a look at the eyes.
Holi with CautionHoli is a time to enjoy and make memories. Children can have fun during Holi without the risk of eye injuries or irritation with a few simple guidelines. Natural colors, no contact lenses, eye protection, and taking action when irritation occurs are very important.
(Dr Hardik Parikh, Ophthalmologist, Global Eye Clinic)
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
Eye Protection Tips for ParentsThe most important part of the day will be ensuring the most protection for your kids. Follow these simple and highly effective suggestions:
1. Use Eye Protection
Remind and encourage your kids to wear some kind of eye protection. The best option is a pair of wrap-around sunglasses. These provide the most protection from chemicals and colors used to celebrate Holi.
2. Oil the Skin Around the Eyes
Make sure to do this when they get outside. This will keep the color from getting to the skin and will increase their chances of getting the color washed off. very thin layer applied around the eye on eyelid skin
3. Don’t Rub Eyes
Children will have to learn not to rub their eyes if colors enter them. Rubbing their eyes can push particles deeper and could possibly scratch their cornea.
4. Rinse With Clean Water
If colors enter the eyes, rinse them immediately with running water. Don’t rinse with rose water, or homemade remedies and don’t use any eye drops unless a doctor prescribes them.
5. No Water Balloons
Water balloons can burst and cause blunt trauma to the eyes, possibly resulting in serious damage. Parents should provide strict supervision.
Symptoms After Holi That Need Immediate Attention After Holi if you see any of the following symptoms, get medical assistance.
- Persistent redness
- Severe pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal tearing (watering)
- Discharge from the eyes
Eye Care After HoliAfter Holi, ensure that the children wash their hands before touching their face. After a Holi celebration, wash their face with soap and water. If irritation and discomfort are present, do not use contact lenses until a doctor takes a look at the eyes.
Holi with CautionHoli is a time to enjoy and make memories. Children can have fun during Holi without the risk of eye injuries or irritation with a few simple guidelines. Natural colors, no contact lenses, eye protection, and taking action when irritation occurs are very important.
(Dr Hardik Parikh, Ophthalmologist, Global Eye Clinic)
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