Between binging holiday shows, scrolling for gift deals, and spending long hours in dry, cozy rooms, winter can take a real toll on your eyes. According to Drs. Kymber and Jennifer Blaschke of Elevated Eye Care, this season brings a unique mix of challenges (from dry eyes to digital fatigue), and it’s worth giving your vision a little extra love.
“Dry eye is one of the biggest issues we see,” Dr. Jennifer explains. “When heaters kick on, the air loses humidity, and our eyes lose moisture.” Add in cedar allergies, especially here in Texas, and you’ve got a recipe for redness and irritation. Treatments can range from simple eye drops to high-tech solutions like autologous serum drops, which use your own blood serum to reduce inflammation. “We tailor each plan to the patient,” says Dr. Kymber. “There’s no one-size-fits-all fix.”
The Screen Time Strain
During the holidays, many of us find ourselves curled up watching marathons or hunting for online sales. “We blink less when we’re on screens,” Dr. Kymber notes, “which contributes to dryness and eye fatigue.” Their go-to advice? The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away. It gives your visual system a reset and your eyes a much-needed break.
They also recommend using your device’s “night mode” or blue-light filter. “Blue light doesn’t damage your eyes,” Dr. Jennifer clarifies, “but it messes with your sleep-wake cycle.” Cutting it back can help your eyes feel more relaxed and keep your circadian rhythm in check.
Travel & Winter Comfort
If your holiday plans involve flying or road trips, your eyes may need a little extra protection. Airplane cabins have low humidity, and fans or vents blowing in your face can worsen dryness. “Always pack preservative-free artificial tears,” says Dr. Jennifer. “And wear glasses instead of contacts when you travel. A sleep mask helps, too. It keeps air from drying your eyes while you rest.”
Even at home, a humidifier can make a world of difference. “Especially if you sleep with a fan or heater running,” Dr. Kymber adds. “It’s all about restoring moisture.”
Healthy Eyes, Healthy You
“The eyes really are a window to your health,” says Dr. Jennifer. Optometrists can detect conditions like diabetes and hypertension by examining the blood vessels in the back of the eye. That’s why yearly exams matter, even if your vision seems fine. “People often wait until there’s a problem,” Dr. Kymber says, “but prevention is always easier than treatment.”
Both doctors are also passionate about myopia management, especially for kids. “We’re seeing more nearsightedness because children spend more time indoors and on devices,” Dr. Jennifer explains. Simple winter habits, like getting outside for some brisk daylight play, keeping reading and screens at the right distance, and regular eye checkups, can slow progression and protect long-term vision. They also suggest keeping cozy holiday routines in mind. Take screen breaks during your holiday crafts, protect eyes from indoor heater dryness with humidifiers, and remember UV-blocking sunglasses for winter walks or snowy activities, or just being outside in general. Polarized sunglasses are especially helpful for reflections off of snow.
The Gift of Vision
If there’s one message these doctors want people to take into the holiday season, it’s this: Eye care is self-care. From moisturizing eye drops to UV-blocking sunglasses, small habits make a big difference. “Your eyes guide everything you do,” says Dr. Kymber. “Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.”
Holiday Eye TLC
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears morning and night.
- Stay hydrated and add a humidifier indoors.
- Wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
- Keep glasses handy for flights and dry winter travel.