Watch Out! Eye Infections During Songkran Are More Common Than You Think

Every year during the Songkran Festival, hospitals see a surge in patients with red eyes, eye irritation, and inflammation. The reason? Excessive water play using high-pressure water guns, colored water, powder smearing on the face and around the eyes, and—most concerning—contaminated water. All of these activities pose serious risks to your eye health.

Dirty water often contains harmful pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and protozoa. When such water comes into contact with the eyes, it can lead to irritation, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or even serious infections that may cause permanent vision loss.

Stay Safe and Have Fun This Songkran—with Healthy Eyes

1. Avoid wearing contact lenses during water play.
   Contact lenses act like small sponges, absorbing everything they come into contact with. If contaminated water gets trapped under the lens, it can lead to serious infections—even blindness.

2. Wear protective goggles
   to shield your eyes from water or powder that may splash into them.

3. Be cautious with high-pressure water guns.
   Direct hits to the eyes can cause injury or trauma.

4. If any foreign substance gets into your eyes
   and causes irritation, rinse immediately with clean water or sterile saline solution (available at pharmacies), and seek prompt care from an eye specialist.

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Songkran—with healthy eyes!