The holidays are full of excitement, from shopping and visiting loved ones to enjoying holiday movies online. However, all that activity can leave your eyes feeling tired, dry, or strained. Bright lights, screens, and constantly changing environments can also make it harder to see clearly.
Scheduling time with an eye doctor near you can help identify issues and provide solutions so your eyes feel their best all season long. In this blog, we’ll share tips to keep your eyes comfortable and vision clear throughout the holiday season.
Manage winter dry eyes
Colder weather and indoor heating can dry out your eyes. Drinking plenty of water, using preservative-free artificial tears, and running a humidifier at home can keep your eyes feeling refreshed.
If your dry eye symptoms don’t improve, it’s best to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a specialist. They can determine whether dry eye treatment or updated contact lenses could help address dryness and irritation.
Give your eyes a break from screens
Hours of scrolling, streaming, and messaging can lead to eye fatigue and strain. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Updating your eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription can also reduce eye strain and improve your vision.
Stay on top of contact lens care
During the busy holidays, it’s important to make time for proper contact lens care. Here’s how you can protect your eyes and prevent irritation and infections:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contact lenses.
- Replace your contact lens case on a regular schedule to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Keep your contact lens clean and rinse it with sterile contact lens solution (not tap water).
- Never use a homemade saline solution.
- Use new contact lens solution every time you clean and disinfect your contacts.
- Only sleep in lenses that are specifically approved for overnight wear.
- Follow the replacement schedule recommended for your lenses to keep them safe and comfortable.
- Book a contact lens exam if it’s been some time since your last visit to ensure the best fit and optimal eye health.
Protect your eyes from winter elements
Cold winds and bright holiday lights can irritate your eyes. Sunglasses with polarized lenses—yes, even in winter—block harmful UV rays and reduce glare. If you wear glasses, lenses with UV coatings or subtle tints can help maintain clear, comfortable vision and protect your eyes from seasonal elements.
Celebrate the season with eyes that feel their best
From shopping to family gatherings, clear, comfortable eyes help you enjoy every moment. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam, update your eyeglasses, or discuss dry eye treatment and contact lenses with our eye doctors in Mansfield, DeSoto, Fort Worth, or Cedar Hill.
Call or schedule online to protect your vision this season.
