The holidays are a busy time of year, whether you’re shopping online, baking cookies, decorating, or attending family gatherings. Amid all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook your eyes.
This season is a perfect opportunity to give your eyes some extra care, including scheduling a visit with our eye doctors in North Colorado Springs to ensure your vision stays healthy and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll share some holiday eye care tips, from managing screen use and dry indoor air to keeping your prescription up to date.
Give your eyes a break from screens
The holidays often mean more time on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Staring at screens for long periods can lead to eye strain, headaches, and dryness. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
If your eyes are still feeling tired or irritated, it’s best to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Spectrum Eye Care. Our experts can identify whether your prescription has changed or if digital eye strain is part of the problem. We also offer computer glasses to reduce strain and help your eyes stay comfortable during long hours of screen use.
Relieve dry eye symptoms
The dry Colorado air and higher altitudes, combined with colder weather, can leave your eyes feeling parched and irritated. On top of that, indoor heating and extra screen time can further dry out your eyes and contribute to discomfort.
These tips can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the holidays:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Take short breaks from screens to reduce eye strain
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and dry air
- Use artificial tears throughout the day to relieve dry, gritty eyes
If over-the-counter eye drops and lifestyle changes are ineffective, we offer professional dry eye treatment in North Colorado Springs to help restore comfort and protect your eyes. Our eye doctors can recommend prescription eye drops or medications and suggest lifestyle changes tailored to your needs.
Check for prescription updates
The holidays are a great time to see if your glasses or contact lenses are still providing clear, comfortable vision. Scratched lenses, outdated prescriptions, or ill-fitting contacts can cause eye strain and discomfort. Scheduling a contact lens exam ensures your lenses fit well and your eyes are healthy.
Don’t skip proper contact lens care
Keeping contact lenses clean and comfortable is even more important during the busy holiday season. Try following these tips:
- Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses
- Clean and store lenses with the recommended solution
- Avoid sleeping in lenses unless prescribed
- Replace lenses on schedule (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly)
- Keep your lens case clean and replace it regularly
- Avoid wearing lenses if your eyes feel dry or irritated
- Schedule a contact lens exam for any discomfort or blurry vision
Protect your eyes from winter elements
Even in winter, sunlight can be harsh. Snow and ice reflect light and can even cause snow blindness, a painful condition that makes your eyes red, swollen, and sensitive to light.
Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection and polarized lenses helps protect your eyes while keeping vision clear and comfortable.
See clearly and enjoy the holidays
Give your eyes the care they deserve this season. By staying hydrated, taking screen breaks, and keeping up with eye exams, you can enjoy the season with clear, comfortable vision.
If you can’t remember the last time you visited the eye doctor, schedule an appointment at Spectrum Eye Care in Colorado Springs today. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
