The holiday season brings twinkling lights, festive decorations, family gatherings, and plenty of excitement. But amidst all the celebration, it’s also a time when eye injuries become surprisingly common. From decorating mishaps to kitchen accidents, it’s important to stay mindful of your eye health so you can enjoy the season safely.
Below are some simple, practical tips to help keep your eyes protected this holiday season.
🎄 1. Decorate With Care
Holiday décor can be beautiful – but also sharp.
- Tree branches, ornament hooks, and pine needles can easily scratch the corneal surface of the eye.
- When hanging lights or ornaments, avoid leaning too close to sharp branches.
- Hang sharp or fragile ornaments higher to keep them out of reach of children
- If you’re using spray snow or glitter, keep it away from your eyes and use it in well-ventilated areas.
- If you get glitter in your eyes, flush with clear cool water or saline. DO NOT RUB.
- Use lights safely. Examine cords for any fraying before securing them to the tree or for any other uses.
- Avoid looking and staring directly at those ultra-bright LED lights, especially those that are flashing. This can cause permanent damage to your retina and phototoxicity.
🎁 2. Choose Safe Toys
Many eye injuries during the holidays come from gifts, especially children’s toys.
- Avoid toys that shoot projectiles, such as darts, arrows, or foam bullets.
- Be cautious with laser pointers; they can cause significant retinal damage if pointed directly at the eyes.
- Make sure toys are age-appropriate and supervise young children while they play.
🍾 3. Handle Champagne Bottles Safely
The always festive champagne is a holiday staple. Take extreme care when opening champagne as corks can shoot out at up to 50 mph – fast enough to cause serious eye damage.
- Always aim the bottle away from yourself and others.
- Hold the cork with a towel and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) to release pressure slowly and safely.
🔥 4. Stay Safe in the Kitchen
Holiday cooking brings delicious smells and warmth into our homes… and some risks.
- Hot oil, boiling liquids, and popping grease can cause burns to the eyes and face.
- Use shields or lids when frying.
- Be cautious when opening steam-filled pots or dishes.
🔧 5. Wear Eye Protection for DIY Projects
Many families use the holidays to catch up on home projects or hang outdoor lights.
- Use proper protective eyewear when drilling, hammering, or cutting.
- When installing outdoor lights, watch for falling debris or loose branches.
- Even snowblowers can throw debris—wear eye protection outdoors.
🎉 6. Smoke, Fire and Fireworks Safety
Fireplaces and celebratory fireworks are commonplace to ring in the holidays and New Year.
- Fireplaces, candles, or fireworks can expose eyes to heat, smoke, or sparks.
- Keep a safe distance and use proper protection if handling fireworks.
🦠 7. Prevent Eye Infections During Gatherings
With more social interactions comes more opportunity for germs to spread.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Remove makeup thoroughly before bed, especially glittery or metallic holiday makeup.
- Replace contact lenses on schedule and avoid sleeping in them unless prescribed.
👀 8. Contact lens hygiene
- Holiday travel can disrupt routines:
- Don’t sleep in contacts.
- Avoid wearing them in hot tubs or while sledding/skiing in windy conditions.
- Pack a spare case and solution
👁️ 9. Seek Prompt Care for Any Eye Injury
Even minor symptoms—redness, pain, vision changes, or irritation—can signal a more serious issue, especially if it involves trauma or foreign bodies.
When in doubt, have the eye evaluated promptly. Quick treatment can prevent long-term complications.
🎉 Enjoy a Safe and Bright Holiday Season!
Your vision is a gift—protect it. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the sparkle and joy of the holiday season without risking your eye health.
If you experience any eye concerns this holiday season, our clinic is here to help keep your holidays safe, healthy, and bright.