When you think about the holidays, what comes to mind? Probably nostalgic thoughts of cozy smells, tasty meals, laughter, and time with family and friends. What probably doesn’t come to mind is an eye injury.
However, seasonal activities like choosing a Christmas tree or skiing can present real vision risks, so it’s important to educate yourself on the potential eye safety hazards of the holidays.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team make patient education a top priority. Let’s explore common eye-related holiday risks — and how to protect your eyes all winter long.
Stringing up ornaments, lights, and wreaths doesn’t seem very strenuous, but hanging objects can easily poke you in the eye. Real Christmas trees and pine garland can present similar risks, especially if you’re doing any chopping or sawing.
When decorating, take the necessary precautions. Wear safety glasses and be mindful of any sharp wires, hangers, or branches. Likewise, keep children and pets at a safe distance, especially when using tools, to prevent accidents and injuries.
Many people take skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing trips this time of year. Spending time in the snow is a lot of fun, but the cooler temperatures, cold winds, and bright white surroundings can lead to dry eyes, UV exposure, and irritation.
If you’ll be outdoors, wear wraparound sunglasses with UV protection and stay hydrated. We also recommend carrying artificial tears in case your eyes become dry, red, itchy, or irritated.
Holiday dishes often cook at high temperatures and involve frying, boiling, or using a pressure cooker. You may encounter steam, hot oil, or heat rising from active burners, all of which present serious risks to your vision.
When you’re in the kitchen, keep pots and pans covered, wear an apron for splash protection, and consider a hat with a brim to keep your eyes safe from flying hazards like fryer oil. If using seasoning, like cayenne pepper or cinnamon, always wash your hands before touching your face and avoid rubbing your eyes.
Many families celebrate the New Year holiday with fireworks. However, anything that shoots sparks or explodes can cause serious eye injuries. If you want to see fireworks, go to a professional show at an event.
If you choose to use fireworks at home, keep the display small and avoid buying anything that shoots into the air. After lighting fireworks, keep your distance and don’t let anyone near them, especially children and pets.
During the holidays, it can be tempting to binge-watch several seasons of your favorite show or to play video games for hours on end. Enjoy as much screen time as you want, just make sure to incorporate regular breaks to rest your eyes. Staring at screens causes you to blink less, so you’re more likely to experience dry eyes and irritation.
To prevent this common problem, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something that’s about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can encourage you to blink more and help your eyes feel less fatigued. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them handy when streaming so you don’t strain your eyes.
Another great way to protect your eyes this holiday season is to schedule your annual eye exam. If it's been more than a year since your last check-up, now is the perfect time to act.
Call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.