RAIPUR: The festival of Diwali celebration should have festivity and joy but the advice is to take special care of eyes, food, and routine, said Dr Subhash Mishra, Director (Epidemic) on Saturday.

Mishra said during Diwali festivity people are involved in lighting lamps and bursting of crackers. They also indulge in sweets and other snacks as part of the celebrations. Excess of these can raise health concerns. No compromise should be made with health, which should be the first priority.

He said that eyes are the second most common organ affected after hand and finger due to negligence on firecrackers during Diwali. Due to the smoke of firecrackers, there is a risk of redness in the eyes along with burning and hurt. The firecrackers can also cause wounds in the eyes, blood clot formation or damage the pupil.

Bottle-fired rockets fly off to people's faces, due to which in most cases of eye injuries are reported. Exploding firecrackers very close can also damage the eyesight. The elders need to supervise children when fireworks are used, he added.

He suggested that all flammable materials should be removed from the fireworks area. Use a long stick to light the firecracker, so that the explosion caused by it does not affect the hands or eyes. Wear protective goggles when setting off fireworks to protect the eyes. In case of itching or burning or bruising of the eye, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Medical College Hospital and AIIMS Raipur are extending 24 hours medical facility for any casualty, he said.