The festive season is here! With calendars packed with holiday parties, late-night celebrations and plenty of screen time for online shopping, it’s easy to overlook eye health.
Staying merry and bright-eyed requires a little extra care for your vision amidst the hustle and bustle. Here’s how to keep your eyes safe and sparkling throughout the festive season.
Holly, jolly hydration
From sipping celebratory champagne at corporate parties to casual coffee catch ups with your nearest and dearest to reflect on the 12 months that were, it’s easy to forget the importance of hydration that final dash to the end of year finish line.
Yet, inadequate water consumption can affect not only your general well-being but also your eye health, leading to dryness, irritation and discomfort.
Adults should strive to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, especially if you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages or consuming salty holiday treats, both of which can contribute to dehydration.
Holiday activities like long nights out and time spent in air-conditioned venues can also dry out your eyes. Keep some single dose lubricating eye drops handy to help restore moisture and keep your eyes comfortable.
Give party-weary eyes a rest
Busy days filled with shopping, planning and attending events, followed by late nights of celebration, can leave your eyes feeling overworked and exhausted.
Fatigue and strain can take a toll on your vision, making it vital to give your eyes the breaks they need.
No matter how packed your schedule is, try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night as your eyes need rest just as much as the rest of your body to recover and perform at their best.
Watch out for glitter and glitz
Holiday parties bring an extra dose of glamour with twinkling lights, glittery decorations and shimmering makeup. While these add to the festive charm, they can pose risks to your eyes if not handled carefully.
Glitter particles from eyeshadows or eyeliners can enter your eyes, causing irritation or even scratches on the cornea. If you choose to sparkle, apply glitter makeup carefully and avoid placing it too close to the lash line. Always remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime to prevent it from transferring into your eyes overnight.
If you wear contact lenses, ensure you remove them before sleeping after a night out. It’s a good idea to carry a travel-sized contact lens solution and case with you or have a pair of glasses on hand, just in case you need to take them out during an event.
Protect against harmful UV rays
With many festive celebrations taking place outdoors in the sweltering summer sun, Aussie eyes are at a higher risk of being exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
It’s crucial to take preventive measures like investing in a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays; polarised lenses are also an excellent choice for reducing glare during daytime festivities.
Team up your sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional protection for your eyes and face.
Nourish your vision
Holiday indulgences are delightful, but don’t forget to include foods that are good for your eyes in your festive meals. Proper nutrition can play a crucial role in supporting eye health during this busy season.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and kale are excellent sources of vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining healthy vision while incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, into your planned party menu can also help combat dry eyes and promote overall eye health.
Be prepared for emergencies
Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable.
Whether it’s a rogue champagne cork, a poorly bowled backyard cricket ball or a mishandled missile projecting toy, knowing how to respond promptly to an eye injury or other ocular trauma can prevent minor issues turning into serious problems.
Keeping a first-aid kit handy that included essentials like sterile saline solution and eye pads is vital to provide a quick response to minor emergencies.
If you experience persistent redness, pain or changes in your vision, don’t ignore these symptoms and seek advice from a trusted medical professional as soon as possible.
To schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today, use our easy search tool here.
