Healthy Soch
“By Prof. Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman and Managing Director, Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals, New Delhi”
New Delhi, November 7, 2026 :
Diwali is a time for celebration, family gatherings and festivities. While people take care to prepare their homes and surroundings for the occasion, eye health often receives little attention. Good vision plays an important role in our everyday lives, yet many people overlook changes in their eyesight or postpone routine eye examinations when they have no obvious symptoms.
One common misconception is that an eye examination is necessary only when vision becomes blurred or the eyes feel uncomfortable. However, some eye conditions can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy may affect vision before a person realises that something is wrong. Regular eye examinations can help identify such problems early and allow timely treatment.
Diwali celebrations can also bring specific challenges for eye health. Exposure to smoke and dust can aggravate dry eyes and allergies, causing redness, itching and watering. Festive makeup and contact lenses may also cause irritation if used incorrectly or without proper hygiene. Taking sensible precautions, avoiding rubbing the eyes and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist can help prevent minor discomfort from becoming a bigger concern.
Everyday habits also play an important role in maintaining healthy eyes. Spending long hours looking at mobile phones, computers and television screens can contribute to eye strain and dryness. Taking regular breaks, blinking frequently and keeping screens at a comfortable distance can help ease discomfort. Adequate sleep is equally important, particularly during the festive season, when late nights and busy schedules can disrupt normal routines.
Eye hygiene deserves attention throughout the year. Touching the eyes with unwashed hands, sharing eye makeup or using expired cosmetic products can increase the risk of irritation or infection. Makeup should be removed before sleeping, and contact lens users should follow the recommended cleaning and wearing instructions. Eye drops should not be used indiscriminately, particularly when the cause of irritation is unclear.
It is also important not to ignore persistent redness, pain, unusual watering or changes in vision. People sometimes turn to home remedies or delay consulting a specialist, hoping the symptoms will resolve on their own. While some irritation may be temporary, sudden vision loss, significant eye pain or an eye injury requires prompt medical attention.
For people living with diabetes, high blood pressure or an existing eye condition, regular follow-up is particularly important. Diabetes, for example, can damage the blood vessels in the retina, sometimes without causing noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Following the recommended eye examination schedule and managing underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk of vision-related complications.
As we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, it is worth remembering that healthy eyes help us appreciate the world around us in all its colours and brightness. Just as we light up our homes for the occasion, we should also make eye care a priority through regular eye examinations, good hygiene and timely medical advice. After all, protecting our vision helps us continue to enjoy the sights that make life brighter, long after the festive lights have faded.
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