•Dr Priscilia Imade
The Yuletide or Christmas season brings unique challenges to eye health. The dry air, dust associated with harmattan and increased screen time from the holidays can take a toll on your eyesight .
Ensure you carry out the eye practices listed below to have a better eyesight this Christmas season.
1. Drink lots of water
During Harmattan, the dry air can lead to dehydration, which affects eye moisture, causing dryness and discomfort. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes hydrated and reduces the risk of irritation from the harsh, dusty environment typical of the Christmas season.
2. Mind what you eat
A healthy diet is essential, especially during the festive season when rich foods are common. Eating foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, spinach and citrus fruits, can support your eye health, protecting against conditions like cataract and night blindness, which can be aggravated by dry weather conditions.
3. Protect your eyes from dust, smoke, sun and injuries
Harmattan brings dust and strong winds, which can irritate the eyes and lead to infections. Additionally, the bright sun and UV rays can cause eye strain or even damage. Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors can shield your eyes from dust and harmful UV exposure, particularly during the holidays when you’re more likely to be outdoors.
4. Do the 20-20-20 computer rule
With the Yuletide season often spent on holiday shopping or online socialising, screen time increases. The 20-20-20 rule is especially helpful during this period to reduce digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break from long screen use.
5. Reduce screen time
The festive season often comes with extended periods of screen use, whether watching movies, engaging in social media, or online shopping. Excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which can be exacerbated by the dry Harmattan air. Reducing screen time and taking regular breaks will help alleviate discomfort.
6. Wear computer protection glasses
Blue light from digital devices can cause eye fatigue, especially if you are spending hours on screens during the holidays. Wearing computer protection glasses can reduce glare and block harmful blue light, preventing headaches and eye strain from extended screen time.
7. Wear glasses to drive
During the holidays, many people travel and Harmattan’s hazy atmosphere can reduce visibility on the road. Wearing corrective glasses while driving ensures clearer vision, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons when Harmattan fog is at its thickest.
8. Drive safe
Harmattan can significantly reduce visibility on the road due to the fog and dust. Safe driving requires clear vision to navigate roads and recognise hazards. Always ensure that your eyes are in top condition before heading out, and consider using glasses if necessary to improve clarity while driving.
9. Avoid driving at night
Driving at night can be particularly challenging during Harmattan because the reduced visibility combined with vehicle headlights reflecting off dust and fog can cause glare. Avoiding night driving, or ensuring you have clear vision through proper corrective eyewear, helps reduce the risk of accidents.
10. Make sure your car is in good condition before you hit the road
Before embarking on Christmas travels, check your car’s headlights, wipers and mirrors to ensure clear visibility. During Harmattan, dust buildup on windows and mirrors can obscure vision, so regular maintenance is essential to ensure you’re driving safely with optimal visibility.
11. Have a comprehensive eye examination
With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, people often neglect eye examination. However, this is an important time to get a comprehensive eye examination to check for underlying conditions like glaucoma or cataract, which may worsen if left untreated. Early detection during a routine exam ensures you maintain good eye health, especially with the added environmental stress from Harmattan.
During the festive season and Harmattan, it is important to prioritise eye care. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your eyes remain healthy, comfortable and ready to enjoy the Christmas holiday festivities without any vision-related issues.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas in advance.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.comAnother edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
