6 Holiday Eye Care Tips: Keeping Your Eyes Healthy During Festive Seasons

The festive season brings joy, celebrations, and often a few changes in routine. But holiday activities like extended screen time, late nights, or dry indoor air can take a toll on your eyes. Here are some simple tips to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy, so you can fully enjoy the season.

1. Stay Hydrated – With all the holiday fun, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your eyes comfortable since dehydration can lead to dryness, making your eyes feel tired or irritated. Try to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re indulging in holiday treats or drinks, which can be dehydrating. If you’re flying or spending time in a dry climate, consider adding an electrolyte drink for balanced hydration.
2. Take Breaks from Screens – With cozy movie marathons, online holiday shopping, and extra scrolling through festive content, screen time often increases during the holidays. But too much screen time can lead to digital eye strain, with symptoms like dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. To help avoid strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This small habit can keep your eyes feeling refreshed.
3. Combat Dry Indoor Air – Indoor heating can be a lifesaver in colder months, but it also creates dry air that can irritate your eyes. When the air is dry, your tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and discomfort. Using a humidifier adds moisture back into the air and creates a more comfortable environment for your eyes. If a humidifier isn’t available, try placing a bowl of water near heat sources to naturally increase humidity.
4. Get Enough Sleep – Late nights are often part of holiday celebrations, but skimping on sleep can leave your eyes feeling dry, tired, and irritated. Sleep is essential for your eyes to rest, recover, and stay hydrated, so try to get a full night’s rest when possible. If you’re up late, even a short nap can help refresh your eyes. Using an eye mask can improve sleep quality, and a warm compress before bed can relax tired eyes.
5. Pack Eye-Friendly Products When Traveling – Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or train, dry air and environmental changes can make your eyes feel less than festive. Pack a few essentials like preservative-free eye drops, a gentle eye makeup remover, an eye mask, and Instant Relief Eye Spray to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable on the go. The Heated Eye Wand Pro is a travel-friendly way to soothe tired and uncomfortable eyes wherever you are. For longer trips, a travel-sized humidifier or using the Heated Eye Wand Pro twice a day can also make a huge difference in maintaining eye comfort.
6. Protect Your Eyes from Winter Sun – Winter sun can be just as harsh as summer, especially in snowy conditions where glare and UV exposure are more intense due to snow’s reflection. Protecting your eyes from UV exposure helps prevent strain and long-term damage, so wear UV-rated sunglasses—even on overcast days. Keeping a pair of sunglasses in your bag for on-the-go protection can save you from eye discomfort and help prevent potential eye issues in the long run.

With a few small habits, you can enjoy the holiday season while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Staying hydrated, taking breaks from screens, and packing eye-friendly essentials are simple ways to ensure your eyes are in top shape, allowing you to celebrate with clear, comfortable vision.