The holiday season is full of celebrations, shopping, and travel, leaving your eyes tired, dry, or strained. Between bright lights, long hours on screens, and changing environments, it can be a challenge to keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable. Seeing our eye doctor in Rockford can help ensure your eyes stay healthy during all the holiday festivities.
In this blog, we’ll share tips for relieving eye strain, protecting your eyes, and keeping your vision clear throughout the season.
Prevent seasonal dry eyes
Cold winter air and indoor heating can cause itchy, gritty, or dry eyes. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier at home can help prevent seasonal dry eye. A comprehensive eye exam can determine whether you might benefit from dry eye treatment or updated contact lenses to restore comfort and protect your vision.
Reduce eye strain
Long hours of online shopping, holiday streaming, or messaging can tire your eyes. Try the 20-20-20 approach: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Keeping your eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription current also helps reduce fatigue during extended screen use.
Maintain proper contact lens care
Holiday routines can make it tempting to rush through contact lens care, but skipping steps can lead to irritation or infection. Follow these tips to keep your eyes healthy:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses
- Replace your contact lens case regularly
- Never sleep in lenses unless you wear overnight contact lenses
- Follow the recommended replacement schedule
- Schedule a contact lens exam if it’s been a while to ensure your lenses are still the best fit
Protect your eyes outdoors
Winter winds, glare from snow or holiday lights, and bright sunlight can irritate your eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection and polarized lenses help shield your eyes year-round. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, consider lenses with UV-blocking coatings or tints to reduce glare and protect your eyes while outdoors.
Support your eye health with lifestyle medicine
Dr. Jackson, one of the only optometrists certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), works with patients to incorporate diet, hydration, sleep, and exercise changes that support eye health. Combined with regular exams and proper eyeglass or contact lens use, these lifestyle adjustments help keep your eyes comfortable and vision sharp all season.
Enjoy the holidays with clear, comfortable vision
The season is brighter when your eyes feel their best. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, updated eyeglasses, a contact lens exam, or dry eye treatment, our experienced team at Bella Vista Family Eye Care can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Call our office or use the appointment request form today to protect your vision and enjoy a strain-free holiday season.