The holidays bring trees, glitter, and parties. They also bring a surprising number of eye injuries. Here is what Fort Worth eye doctors want you to know before the season gets away from you.
Yes, and it happens more than you think.
Tree branches are stiff, springy, and eye-level when you are decorating or picking up fallen ornaments. One patient recently came in after being struck in the eye by a branch. He developed a hyphema, which is blood pooling inside the eye. Fortunately, he made a full recovery. But it could have been much worse.
Any time something hits your eye, watch for:
If your eye is leaking fluid after an impact, that is an emergency. Go to the ER immediately. Do not wait for a regular appointment.
For anything less severe but still concerning, see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Even a branch that does not break the surface can introduce bacteria, fungus, and debris. Real or artificial, trees carry contaminants.
Face glitter is not eye glitter. That distinction matters.
Under a microscope, face glitter particles are metallic hexagons with six sharp points. They do not bounce off the eye surface. They stick. And when they dig in, they can cause real damage.
Keep face glitter on the cheeks. Avoid the eyelids and eyebrows entirely.
If glitter does get into your eye:
Eye-safe shimmer shadows are different. Cosmetic-grade eyeshadows are formulated for the eye area. Loose face glitter is not.
No. Not even close.
A TikTok trend has people applying Vaseline and other petroleum-based products under the eyelids for winter dryness and irritation. Here is the problem: petroleum is toxic to the mucus membrane tissue around the eye. The eyelid is not the same as cheek skin. Even dermatologists draw a line at the brow bone.
Beyond the petroleum issue, there is the sterility problem. A jar of Vaseline that has been sitting in a drawer for two years has had plenty of time to grow bacteria. Putting it near your eye is not a good idea.
The same logic applies to anything not formulated for ocular use. Even Neosporin has an ophthalmic version made specifically for the eyes. If you need an antibiotic ointment near the eye, use the one made for that purpose.
The rule is simple: if it does not say it is safe for the eyes, do not put it in or near your eyes.
There have been serious reports of contaminated artificial tear drops linked to vision loss and even death. Most of these products came from off-brand manufacturers, largely outside the U.S., who produced drops in poorly regulated facilities.
Name-brand products you have seen on shelves for years are generally not affected. Problems arise with off-brand or generic drops that are manufactured by third parties and sold under a store label.
If you are unsure whether your drops are on the affected list, visit eyedropsafety.org for an updated list of recalled and flagged products.
And while we are on the topic: there are no eye drops that remove cataracts or floaters. There are no published studies supporting any such product. If you see something on social media claiming otherwise, be skeptical. Check with your eye doctor before trying anything you read about online.
Not every holiday eye story is a cautionary tale.
A Christmas tree cataract is a rare and genuinely beautiful type of cataract. The lens inside the eye develops multicolored, needle-like crystals that look exactly like tinsel. An eye that is only about eight millimeters wide contains what looks like a tiny decorated tree.
Most cataracts appear milky, brown, or with spoke-like patterns. The Christmas tree cataract is something different entirely. It is most commonly associated with a condition called myotonic dystrophy.
Like all cataracts, it is treatable with cataract surgery. So yes, the one Christmas tree you actually want in your eye is the one we can take care of.
The holidays are full of eye hazards you would never think to worry about. Tree branches, face glitter, unsterile creams, and contaminated drops can all cause real damage. Protect your eyes this season, and if something feels wrong, do not wait to get it checked.
Whether it is holiday season or not, your eyes deserve regular care. If you have had an eye injury, noticed changes in your vision, or it has been a while since your last exam, we are here.
Schedule an appointment at Alliance Vision Institute
Explore more eye health topics in our Days of Our Eyes series, featuring Dr. Kenneth King and Dr. Christopher Cha.