It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year (cue the music) — and it’s all about the hustle and bustle of getting a lot of things done in a short period of time! Unfortunately, most of us don’t take the time to think about the potential hazards to our eyes and vision when preparing for the holiday season.

As a helpful reminder, here are some things to be mindful of during this busy (and fun) time of year.

Take Precautions while Decorating

• If you’re cutting down your own tree, wear safety goggles to prevent flying wood chips and sawdust from lodging in your eyes.
• As you’re placing lights, ornaments, and other decorations on the tree, be alert to needles that can poke your eye or branches that can spring out when netting is cut away from a fresh Christmas tree. Children are always excited and eager to help and are at “eye level” with the lower branches, so caution them to be careful. Keep a watchful eye on the decorating crew!
• Glass ornaments need special handling – especially if younger children are helping. Pointed ornaments and metal ornament hangers can also pose a danger to the eyes.
• Flameless or battery-operated candles are a safer choice than real candles. A true flame from a wax candle can cause burns to the eye, and hot wax can cause painful blistering burns to the skin.
• Like artificial snow on your tree and wreath? It’s best to apply it outside. Always wear goggles when spraying artificial snow due to the chemicals and small “snow particles” that can cause eye irritation.

A Word on Gifts

We’ve all watched A Christmas Story and chuckled at Ralphie’s dilemma of wanting that Red Ryder BB gun and how his mother, teacher, and even Santa cautions him about “shooting his eye out!”

Well, that’s actually good advice.

• BB guns and pellet guns are particularly hazardous because of their ability to shoot a projectile that can lodge in the eyeball, causing serious damage to the eye or even loss of eyesight. Nerf guns might appear to be safe because of their soft foam projectiles, but they can cause injury to the eye and surrounding tissue. Paintball guns shoot a paintball at 180 mph, which could do serious damage to an eye. Provide protective eyewear for kids when playing with these kinds of toys, and remind them never to aim for the face. Always provide adult supervision when the kids are “pointing and shooting!”
• Statistically speaking, 96% of parents don’t follow age recommendations for toys! No judgment, just facts. However, not heeding these guidelines can lead to misuse of the toy and potential injury. In 2019, the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated there were 224,000 toy-related injuries — 46% of those were head and neck and eye injuries.

Remember Your UV Protection

Protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun whether you are traveling, participating in outdoor activities, or taking a walk after that “over the top” holiday dinner. Snow sports pose an even greater risk of UV damage to your eyes because snow reflection can double UV radiation exposure. Use proper eye protection year-round with a high-quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses in sun, rain, or snow!

Need a new pair of high-quality sunglasses? Our optical has a wide array of fashionable frames for you to select from.

Consider Eye Drops

You can enhance eye comfort this winter by using lubricating eye drops to soothe your dry, gritty eyes. Being inside during the colder months with hot, dry air from your heating system can take a toll on your eyes. Add in a warm, cozy (possibly smokey) fire in the fireplace or the traditional S’mores firepit experience, and you’ve got eyes that are red, blurry, and burning. Ouch! Consult your optometrist during your annual eye exam for a suggestion to determine the best drops for you. Remember: Not all lubricating eye drops are the same, especially if you wear contact lenses.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry (Cautiously)

• Keep an “eye” on your holiday alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and distorted vision. Moderation is the key. Drink lots of water! Staying hydrated helps keep your eyes lubricated. With low temperatures and humidity, windy weather, and heat turned up in the home our bodies need extra water – especially if you are indulging in Uncle Joe’s holiday rum-punch.
• Try to eat healthily. In between the eggnog, fudge, your grandmother’s pecan pie, and the never-ending supply of Christmas cookies, try to work in a good portion of sunflower seeds, walnuts, lean protein, sweet potatoes, spinach, leafy greens, carrots, and salmon. It’s a good way to boost your eye health as well as your general well-being.

Celebrate Safely

1. “Popping the Cork” is the traditional start to any celebration, and who doesn’t love that sound? But be aware that a champagne cork can release at speeds upwards of 60 mph! That kind of force can cause major damage to the eye. Always point the bottle away from your eyes or anyone nearby.
2. Fireworks are less common in winter, but some people usher in the New Year with a bang. Practice proper eye safety when using any kind of fireworks. And skip the sparklers altogether: They burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can be a danger to the eyes!

As you celebrate the holiday season, we wish you a happy, joyful, and safe experience with family and friends. We look forward to the opportunity to continue caring for your precious gift of sight in the New Year!