'Use disposable contact lens during Ganesh idol immersion

Mumbai, Sep 22 (UNI) While listing the health hazards, especially the harm to the eyes, caused by synthetic colours and ''gulal'' that are freely used during the Ganesh idol immersion processions, ophthalmologists have advised bespectacled devotees to use disposable contact lenses on that day.

Contact Lenses Society of India president Dr Keiki Mehta has said that synthetic colours have overthrown the good old herbal colours, which have therapeutic value and are beneficial for the skin and health.

But, now, synthetic colours have replaced them. Most colours used nowadays are oxidized metals or industrial dyes, and are not meant to be applied on humans, Dr Mehta pointed out.

These synthetic dyes are very toxic and can result in anything from skin allergies to cancer, eye irritation to blindness.

Besides contact lenses being cost-effective, they also provide protection against the synthetic dyes. These lenses are easily discarded at the end of the day after being exposed to ''gulal'', Dr Mehta added.

UNI