6 tips to protect eyes in Kumbh Mela 2025

Since the Kumbh Mela 2025 began on Paush Poornima on January 13 of this year, more than 45 crore pilgrims have taken the holy dip, shattering all previous records. At the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the fabled Saraswati rivers, the holy Triveni Sangam continues to draw pilgrims, saints, and devotees from all over the world. According to some estimations, by February 26, the concluding day of the biggest Kumbh in 144 years, more than 50 crore people will visit the city. Though it might be a spiritually enlightening event, the Kumbh Mela can be harmful to your eyes due to crowded waters, pollution, and infections. The following crucial eye care advice will guarantee a secure and relaxing pilgrimage:1. Select a cleaner ghat This year's Kumbh has around eight ghats for bathing. Despite the administration's best attempts to keep all ghats clean, some areas may gather pollutants and grime due to the vast number of visitors. To safeguard your eyes, look for a cleaner ghat and take a dip in cleaner portions of the river, away from large crowds and floating garbage.If the water is murky or contains visible impurities, consider reducing eye exposure.2. Use protective sunglassesYou can wear swimming goggles while having a bath in the holy river. This will help prevent contaminants from entering your eyes and protect them from polluted water and potential irritants. To avoid infections, those who wear contact lenses should remove them before the trip begins.3. Avoid Rubbing Your EyesIf you feel irritation in your eyes after bathing, do not rub them as it may increase the irritation or introduce bacteria in the eyes. Instead, rinse your eyes gently with clean, bottled water. If the itching or redness persists, consult an eye doctor immediately.4. Use Lubricating Eye DropsTo prevent dryness and irritation following water exposure, use artificial tears without preservatives.For this, it is preferable to see an eye doctor rather than using over-the-counter eye drops.5. Maintain Hand HygieneWhen travelling to Prayagraj, always remember to practise good hygiene. Continue to wash your hands frequently. Additionally, you can use cleanliness products like hand sanitisers. 6. Stay Hydrated & Eat HealthyThe seasons are shifting once more, with some regions already declaring that summer has arrived. As a result, continue to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently. This will also assist to keep your eyes hydrated. To maintain eye health, consume vitamin A-rich foods such as spinach, almonds, and carrots.This Kumbh is the rarest of rare events because it is occurring after 144 years, which is the completion of 12 Kumbhs. Everyone should make an effort to go there and take the holy dip, but if you follow these important guidelines, you may protect and maintain the health of your eyes. If you have any eye problems, visit an opthalmologist right away and avoid self-medication.(Dr Jay Goyal, Eye Surgeon, LASIK, Retina Specialist, and Director at Surya Eye Hospital, Mumbai)