5 Holiday Habits That Could Be Harming Your Eyes

The holiday season can bring a lot of joy into your life. It can also introduce some ocular health risks, though. 

Fortunately, being aware of these dangers helps you avoid them. That’s why our team at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates developed this guide. We highlight some of the most common risks to eye health through the holiday season. And if you do encounter any of them and sustain an eye injury or infection, our eye health expert, Dr. Endo, offers the care you need here at our office in Aiea, Hawaii. 

#1: Not being careful while decorating

As you’re hauling out the holly, take your time. If you put up a tree, decorating it poses a particular danger to your eyes, especially if you’re in a hurry. Move mindfully so you don’t inadvertently poke your eyes while trying to put an ornament up on that far branch.

Also, if you’re handling any decorations or wrapping paper with glitter, be sure to check your hands afterward. The glitter can stick to your fingers and then get into your eyes if you rub your face or remove your contacts. 

#2: Not balancing your diet

It’s an indulgent time of year. Make sure you’re balancing out the excess sweets and alcohol with whole foods. Your eyes need nutrients to thrive. Orange fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and fatty fish all help provide your eyes with what they require. 

Dr. Endo offers nutritional counseling for those who would like additional support. 

#3: Not following your normal bedtime routine

During this busy time of year, it can be tempting to skip the usual steps to get ready for sleep and climb into bed. Always ensure that you remove your contacts and take off any eye makeup as well. If you don’t, you could wake up to an eye infection that could derail your holiday plans. 

#4: Popping that cork

Opening a bottle of bubbly can mean a projectile rocketing through the room. To protect your eyes and the eyes of everyone else present, put a dish towel over the cork before you pop it. 

For more guidance, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has suggestions to help you avoid this particular type of eye injury. 

#5: Smoking

This is a festive time of year, and that means many of us are imbibing more than usual. 

If you’re the kind of person who’s more willing to consider a cigarette after you’ve had a few cocktails, remember this: smoking takes a serious toll on your eyes. It makes you more likely to get cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and more. 

We hope this guide helps you protect your eyes through the holiday season. For extra support, we’re here. If you want nutritional counseling, care for an eye infection, or any other medical attention for your ocular health this December, don’t hesitate to call our office at 808-774-3838 to schedule an appointment.