December is one of the busiest months of the year, and it’s also a time when many people notice their eyes feeling tired, dry, or strained. Between holiday shopping, winter weather, and extra screen time, it’s easy for your usual eye-care routines to slip. A few simple habits can make the season much more comfortable.
Safe Contact Lens Wear During a Busy Month
Late nights and unpredictable schedules make it tempting to stretch contact lens wear a little longer than you should. Falling asleep with lenses in — even just “for a few minutes” — can reduce oxygen to the cornea and increase the risk of irritation or infection. It’s worth taking the extra moment to remove them properly, especially after a long day of holiday events.
If you’re travelling, pack a small kit in your bag: a clean case, travel-sized solution, and a pair of backup lenses or glasses. A set of lubricating drops can also help if your eyes feel dry on planes or in heated environments. And as a quick reminder — if you’ve had a drink or two, wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses. It’s a small step that prevents a lot of problems.
Managing Screen Time During the Holidays
With more time at home, many people find themselves watching holiday movies, gaming, or scrolling through gift ideas online. It doesn’t take long for digital eye strain to show up as headaches, blurred vision, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
A simple trick that really works is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Your eyes relax when they change focus, and that short break can make a noticeable difference. Try to keep screens at a comfortable distance — generally 40 to 75 cm from your eyes — and avoid using devices too close to your face in dim lighting.
Winter Dry Eye Relief
Cold air outside and dry indoor heat can make the eyes feel irritated, teary, or tired. Many people notice their dry eye symptoms are worse in December.
Lubricating drops or gel tears are helpful for quick relief and safe to use several times a day. A humidifier can counteract dry indoor air, and a warm compress in the evening can soothe tired eyelids and improve tear quality. Omega-3 supplements are also helpful to reduce inflammation around the eyes and help create a healthy ocular surface. These small habits add up, especially if you’re spending long hours indoors.
When to Book an Eye Exam Before Year-End
December is a great time to check whether your vision has changed, particularly if you’ve been noticing more headaches or difficulty focusing. Many insurance plans also reset in January, so it’s worth using any remaining benefits before they expire.
An eye exam can help confirm that your prescription is up to date and check for early signs of conditions that may not show symptoms right away. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions about dry eye, screen fatigue, or contact lens wear before the new year begins.
Final Thoughts
A bit of attention to your eye health can make the entire holiday season more comfortable. If you have questions or want personalized advice, we’re here to help.
Click HERE to book your holiday eye exam at Burlington Optometry — we’d be happy to see you.
