Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, togetherness and joy in many parts of the world. It's also a time when families get together to share special moments. It is therefore essential to take special care of our eyes so that they remain protected during the festivities. Avoiding accidents, appreciating the symptoms that are important and maintaining or implementing healthy habits are the measures worth implementing.

Accidents resulting in eye injuries, although unforeseen, can and should always be prevented. We should avoid all contact with sharp edges of decorations or toys, for example by positioning Christmas tree branches and decorations safely, avoiding passageways and keeping sharp objects out of the reach of children. Children should not handle sharp utensils, sharp toys or toys that throw projectiles. Handling cleaning products without proper care can also cause serious damage to the eyes. It is essential to keep chemical cleaning products out of the reach of children and properly labeled. In the event of an eye injury caused by chemicals, it is of the utmost importance to immediately rinse the eyes thoroughly for 15 minutes and urgently seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist. Winter sports enthusiasts, such as ice skating or snow skating, should wear suitable glasses with UV protection.

The symptoms that we value in everyday life and which alert us to the need to see an ophthalmologist should also be respected this holiday season. The sudden appearance of symptoms such as floaters (small "fly or hair-like" shadows that circle in front of the field of vision), photopsies (lightning-like images), intense photophobia (inability to bear daylight), distortion of images, painful red eye or loss of vision require observation by a specialist doctor.

Finally, it's important to maintain healthy habits that help preserve eye health. It's healthy to take regular breaks to rest your eyes, especially if you're using digital devices for long periods. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes look away for 20 seconds, i.e. towards the horizon or an object located more than 6 meters away) allows our eyes to rest. Other equally or even more important measures include maintaining regular contact lens hygiene, eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes and fish, avoiding smoking, taking regular exercise and remembering to take your regular medication.

By incorporating these healthy habits and preventative measures into our daily routine, during this festive season and throughout our lives, we are promoting the health of our eyes and reducing the risk of long-term eye problems.