The holidays are full of festive lights, shopping trips, and family gatherings, but all that activity can lead to tired, dry, or strained eyes. Between long hours on screens, bright indoor lighting, and travel, your eyes work harder than usual this time of year. Seeing our eye doctor in Decatur can help ensure your vision stays clear and your eyes stay comfortable during every holiday event.
In this blog, we’ll share tips for reducing eye strain, protecting your eyes from seasonal irritants, and keeping your vision sharp all season long.
Prevent dry eyes in colder weather
Colder air and indoor heating can leave your eyes feeling itchy, gritty, or dry. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier at home can prevent and relieve dry eye symptoms. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, our experts can recommend dry eye treatment or different contact lenses to restore comfort.
Take frequent screen breaks
Extra time spent on online shopping, holiday streaming, or video calls can cause eye fatigue. Try the 20-20-20 approach: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Keeping your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription up to date also helps you avoid fatigue and maintain clear vision.
Maintain healthy contact lens habits
Busy holiday schedules can make it easy to overlook proper contact lens care, but cutting corners can cause irritation or infection. Protect your eyes with these tips:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contact lenses
- Replace your contact lens case on a regular schedule
- Only sleep in lenses if they are specifically approved for overnight wear
- Stick to the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses
- Book a contact lens exam if it’s been a while to ensure your lenses fit correctly and provide the best vision possible
Shield your eyes from winter glare
Cold winds, bright sunlight, and reflective snow can irritate your eyes. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection or polarized lenses helps protect them year-round. Prescription eyeglasses with UV coatings or tints can also reduce glare and make outdoor activities more comfortable.
Healthy eyes make the season brighter
Your eyes can feel their best while you celebrate the season. If you need an eye exam, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or dry eye treatment, Decatur Family Eye Care can help.
Call our office or use the appointment request form today to keep your eyes healthy and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
