The holidays are filled with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and plenty of screen time for shopping and movie marathons. With all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook your eye health.
Whether you’re visiting our eye doctors in Waterbury or Shelton, this season is a great time to give your vision the care it deserves. In this blog, we’ll share tips to protect your eyes during the holidays, from managing screen use and dry indoor air to ensuring your prescription is up to date.
Protect your eyes from screen fatigue
Between online shopping, holiday movies, and family video calls, many people spend extra time staring at screens during the holiday season. Try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a short break and can help prevent digital eye strain, dryness, and headaches.
If you notice persistent discomfort or blurry vision, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our optometrists can determine whether your prescription has changed or if digital eye strain is contributing to your symptoms.
Keep dry eyes at bay
Cold winter air and indoor heating can irritate your eyes and rob them of moisture, especially if you already have chronic dry eye. Using a humidifier, drinking plenty of water, and taking breaks from screens can help keep your eyes more comfortable.
If your symptoms linger, you may need professional dry eye treatment to address the root cause of your symptoms. Personalized treatment can help restore moisture, soothe irritation, and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the season.
Update your glasses and contact lenses
The holidays are the perfect time to check whether your glasses or contact lenses are giving you the best possible vision. Scratched lenses, outdated prescriptions, or ill-fitting contacts can make your eyes work harder than they should.
If you wear contacts, scheduling a contact lens exam ensures your lenses still fit comfortably and your eyes are healthy enough for continued wear. For those with sensitive or dry eyes, scleral lenses may be an excellent alternative. They provide all-day comfort by keeping your eyes hydrated.
Avoid irritation with smart contact lens care
Proper contact lens care helps your eyes stay healthy and comfortable, especially during the busy holiday season. Follow these tips to avoid irritation, infection, or discomfort:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses
- Clean and store lenses using the recommended solution
- Never sleep in lenses unless prescribed by your eye doctor
- Replace lenses according to your schedule (e.g., daily, bi-weekly, or monthly)
- Clean and replace your lens case regularly
- Avoid wearing lenses when your eyes feel dry or irritated
- Schedule a contact lens exam if you notice blurry vision or discomfort
Protect your eyes outdoors
Don’t forget to wear sunglasses just because it’s winter! Snow and ice reflect sunlight, which can be harsh on your eyes and increase the risk of UV damage. Overexposure to UV light can even lead to snow blindness, a painful eye condition that causes redness, swelling, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light.
A high-quality pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarized lenses can help keep your vision clear and comfortable while you enjoy outdoor winter activities.
Make this holiday season easier on your eyes
Your eyes deserve just as much attention as your holiday plans. By staying hydrated, taking screen breaks, and keeping up with eye exams, you can enjoy the season with clear, comfortable vision.
If you haven’t had an eye exam recently or need an updated prescription, schedule an appointment at Vision Center LTD in Shelton or Waterbury Eye Associates today!
