Protecting Your Vision During the Holiday Season

Dry Eyes and Environmental Challenges

You might not realize how harsh the winter environment can be for your eyes. As you turn up the heat, the air in your home becomes incredibly dry. Indoor heating systems remove moisture from the air, causing your eyes to become irritated, scratchy, and uncomfortable. Additionally, being outside can bring harsh winter winds and cold temperatures to compound the problem and further irritate dry eyes.

However, there is an easy solution. The best defense is to keep eye drops, or artificial tears, handy. Consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture back into the air. When heading outdoors, protect your eyes by wearing wraparound sunglasses against cold winds. When inside, opt to use a warm compress over your eyes to help add moisture and relax the muscles. Stay hydrated, and choose gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing eye drops specifically designed for dry eye relief. 

Decorations: Beautiful but Potentially Irritating

Holiday decorations spend most of the year stored away, so when it’s time to pull them out you’ll find lots of dust and other irritants getting into the air. Dusty ornaments pulled from storage can trigger allergic reactions, while artificial snow and glittery decorations create tiny particles that can irritate your eyes. Pine needles from fresh Christmas trees are particularly notorious for causing eye scratches and allergic responses. It’s important to remember if you had any allergies or sensitivities to smells or particles during the last holiday season, so you’re better prepared to avoid flare ups this year. 

When decorating, protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear while handling potentially dusty or fragile items. If you’re sensitive to allergens, consider wearing glasses while unpacking and setting up decorations. If you know you’re prone to allergies, take antihistamines before starting your decorating to minimize eye irritation, as well as using over-the-counter eye drops or ask your Optometrist about prescription allergen eye drops. 

Toy Safety: Protecting Children’s Vision

As your children receive exciting new toys during the holidays, you’ll want to be extra cautious. Projectile toys like dart guns, BB guns, or even seemingly innocent items like toy swords can cause serious eye injuries. Always check age recommendations and supervise children during playtime.

Look for toys with rounded edges, avoid those with sharp points, and never allow children to point any type of toy weapon at another person’s face. If a toy seems potentially dangerous, trust your instincts and choose an alternative gift.

More Than Just Festive Cheer

Adults are not immune to holiday-related eye risks either. Champagne bottles can be particularly dangerous. The pressure inside can cause the cork to explode at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Always point the bottle away from people, use a towel to cover the cork, and twist the bottle–not the cork–when opening.

The kitchen can also have potential hazards to your vision. Hot oil splatters, steam from boiling pots, and errant flour or spice particles can cause serious eye injuries. Always wear protective eyewear when deep-frying or working with hot liquids.

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen.

If you experience an eye injury:

• Do not rub the eye
• Do not apply pressure
• Do not attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye
• For chemical splashes, flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes
• Seek medical attention

Your vision is important, especially during a season meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. A moment of prevention can save you from potentially serious eye injuries. Regular eye exams, awareness of your environment, and taking simple protective measures can ensure that your holiday season remains merry and bright.