The holidays are a time for togetherness, good food, and cozy lights - but they’re also a time when eye health quietly takes a hit. At Cockeysville Opticians and Eyecare, we see patients every January dealing with seasonal habits that have left their eyes dry, strained, or even injured.
From late-night shopping on screens to smoke from fireplaces, this time of year can take a toll on your vision. Here’s how to enjoy the season without letting your eye health fall by the wayside.
Dry Indoor Air and Your Eyes
As the temperatures drop in Maryland, the heat turns up, and with that comes dry indoor air. Between furnaces and fireplaces, your home can quickly become a low-humidity zone that aggravates dry eye symptoms.
In Cockeysville and nearby areas like Timonium and Towson, many homes are sealed tight in winter. This keeps out the cold, but it also means:
- Less natural ventilation
- More exposure to indoor irritants like dust and smoke
- Increased tear evaporation
If your eyes feel gritty, red, or watery after a few hours indoors, it’s likely from dry air. A humidifier and regular use of preservative-free artificial tears can help. And if symptoms persist, it’s time to check in with your optometrist.
Excess Screen Time from Shopping and Streaming
Binge-watching holiday classics. Online shopping at midnight. Sending digital cards to the entire family. It all adds up, and your eyes notice.
Staring at screens lowers your blink rate, which can dry out your eyes and contribute to digital eye strain. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Eye fatigue
- Trouble focusing
If you live in or around Cockeysville, chances are you’ve found yourself winding down with your phone or laptop a little more often during the holidays. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you.
Eye Injuries from Decorations and DIY Projects
Holiday decorating is fun, until someone pokes an eye. Between sharp tree branches, glittery garlands, and last-minute DIYs, eye injuries are more common than many people realize. In fact, we often see patients from Cockeysville, Phoenix, and Baltimore come in with:
- Scratches to the cornea
- Foreign objects (like glitter or craft materials)
- Burns from candles or hot glue
If you’re setting up lights, trimming the tree, or helping the kids with crafts, wear protective eyewear when needed and keep your hands clean before touching your face or eyes. And if something does get in your eye, don’t rub it — flush it with sterile saline and call your optometrist.
Skipping Your Eye Drops During Holiday Travel
With all the packing, planning, and cross-country flights to see loved ones, it’s easy to forget the basics, like using your prescribed eye drops or staying hydrated. Airplane cabins and long car rides with heat blasting can really dry out your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, travel can be especially uncomfortable without proper lubrication.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Keep lubricating drops in your bag, not packed away
- Drink water regularly throughout your travel day
- Use glasses instead of contacts when flying, if possible
- Don’t skip your glaucoma or allergy eye drops, even for a day
Skipping your routine just because you're on the move can lead to flare-ups or discomfort when you should be relaxing with family.
Eye Care in Cockeysville, MD That Keeps You Seeing Clearly
At Cockeysville Opticians and Eyecare, we want your holidays to be full of memories — not eye irritation. Whether you’re dealing with winter dryness, screen strain, or an unexpected eye injury, we’re here to help you feel and see your best.
Serving Cockeysville, Timonium, Towson, and the surrounding Maryland communities, our eye care team offers walk-in support, appointments that fit your schedule, and a wide selection of frames to match your holiday style.
Call 410-666-0610 or book an eye care appointment to keep your vision healthy this season.