Updated – December 17th, 2024
The holiday season is a time for celebrations, travel, and festive fun.
But between dazzling lights, endless screen time from holiday movies, or cozy nights by the fireplace, your eyes might be working overtime without you even realizing it. Add in dry winter weather and it’s no wonder your eyes feel tired, dry, or irritated.
But don’t worry. Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple tips, you can keep your eyes happy, healthy, and ready to take in every sparkling moment this holiday season.
- 1. Stay hydrated.
- 2. Use eye drops for dry eyes.
- 3. Take breaks from screens.
- 4. Wear sunglasses.
- 5. Be careful around holiday decorations.
- 6. Watch your alcohol intake.
- 7. Keep your hands and contact lenses clean.
- 8. Be careful with eye makeup.
- 9. Get enough sleep.
- 10. Pack an eye care kit.
- Protect Your Vision During Holiday Festivities
1. Stay hydrated.
The holiday season can be busy, but don’t forget to drink enough water.
Cold weather and indoor heating can dry out your eyes, leaving them feeling irritated or tired. Staying hydrated helps keep your body and eyes refreshed.
Aim to sip water throughout the day, even during festive gatherings, to maintain moisture in your eyes.
2. Use eye drops for dry eyes.
Winter air and indoor heating can leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Lubricating eye drops can provide quick relief, but not all drops are safe for contact lens wearers. Look for drops specifically designed for contact lenses or ask your eye doctor for recommendations.
3. Take breaks from screens.
Holiday movie marathons, online shopping, and video calls can mean hours of screen time. Staring at screens too long can strain your eyes and cause discomfort.
To give your eyes a break, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
4. Wear sunglasses.
Even in winter, ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes, especially with snow reflecting sunlight. Whether you’re on a snowy walk or enjoying a holiday ski trip, sunglasses with UV protection are a must. They shield your eyes from harmful rays and reduce glare, keeping your vision clear and your eyes safe during outdoor festivities.
5. Be careful around holiday decorations.
Holiday decorations can add cheer, but some can pose risks to your eyes.
Open flames from candles or fireplaces can cause burns if you get too close. Glitter, artificial snow, and small ornaments can irritate your eyes if they get into them.
Handle decorations carefully, and keep a safe distance from anything that might harm your vision.
6. Watch your alcohol intake.
Holiday parties often come with festive drinks, but too much alcohol can affect more than just your head. It dehydrates your body and eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, and tired-looking eyes.
Overindulging can also have short-term and long-term effects, such as:
- On the eyes – Dryness, blurry vision, and dilated pupils.
- On the body – Dehydration, fatigue, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Remember to enjoy alcohol in moderation and alternate drinks with water to keep your body and your eyes feeling their best.
7. Keep your hands and contact lenses clean.
With all the holiday cooking, gift wrapping, and decorating, it’s easy to transfer dirt and germs to your eyes. For contact lens wearers, dirty hands or lenses can lead to eye infections.
Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or lenses, and clean your contacts as instructed to keep your eyes safe and healthy.
8. Be careful with eye makeup.
Holiday glam can be fun, but it’s important to be mindful, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Always insert your contacts before applying makeup to avoid smudges or contamination. Then, at the end of the day, remove your contacts first before gently cleansing off your makeup.
9. Get enough sleep.
Late-night parties, travel, and holiday stress can leave you running on little sleep. When you don’t rest enough, your eyes can feel tired, look puffy, and even become dry.
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to let your eyes recover and stay refreshed. Your eyes (and body) will thank you for the well-deserved rest.
10. Pack an eye care kit.
Whether you’re traveling or busy with celebrations, having an eye care kit on hand makes a big difference. Include essentials like lubricating drops, a clean cloth, and spare glasses or lenses. Contact lens wearers can also pack a case and solution.
With your kit ready to go, you’ll be prepared for any eye care needs during the holidays.
Protect Your Vision During Holiday Festivities
By staying hydrated, taking breaks, and being mindful of things like makeup, alcohol, and decorations, you can keep your eyes comfortable and clear. A little care goes a long way to protect your vision so you can fully enjoy every festive moment this season!
Shop 1-800-GET-LENS for all your contact lens needs and find the perfect pair to keep your eyes happy during holiday festivities.
