Protecting Your Eyes from Holiday Lights, Glare, and Decorations

The holidays are here, and so are the dazzling, twinkling lights! While beautiful, the constant exposure to bright, flashing, and highly reflective decorations can lead to eye discomfort, increased glare sensitivity, and digital eye strain—even when you’re not looking at a screen.

Here are essential tips from Eye Consultants of North Dakota to help keep your eyes comfortable amidst the holiday sparkle:

• Mind the Glare: Highly polished floors, reflective tinsel, and strings of lights can create intense glare indoors. If you wear glasses, ensure they have an anti-reflective (AR) coating to cut down on light scatter and halos, especially around brilliant white and blue LED lights.
• Prevent Light-Induced Headaches: Rapidly flashing or intensely bright holiday lights can sometimes trigger migraines or cause visual fatigue. When decorating, opt for warm white or softer-colored lights over harsh, bright white or blue hues, and consider using lights with a slower, more subtle twinkle.
• Combat Dryness at Festive Events: Holiday gatherings often mean spending time in rooms with increased heating and dry air. This exacerbates dry eye symptoms. Carry lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) with you to keep your eyes moist, and remember to blink frequently.
• Exercise Caution with Decorations: Be careful when hanging lights or placing sharp ornaments. Wear protective eyewear when using tools or working on ladders, and keep sharp, low-hanging decorations out of the reach of young children.

If you find that the dazzling holiday lights are causing significant discomfort, pain, or interfering with your vision, it’s a good time to consult with one of our specialists.

Don’t let eye strain overshadow your holiday cheer!