Maintaining your eye health and protecting your vision is essential all year round, but winter presents several threats and challenges exclusive to cold weather. Here is a list of tips to keep your eyes safe and protected during the winter months.
Keeping your eyes moist is an essential part of winter eye care. Indoor heating and dry winter air can drain your eyes’ moisture level. This is because cold temperatures do not hold much humidity, and indoor heating consumes most of the moisture in the air. This presents a significant challenge, especially to those who wear contact lenses or suffer from chronic dry eyes.
To be safer during the winter, using moisturizing eyedrops can help your eyes. However, it’s advisable to consult with an established ophthalmologist, like Dr. Stanley Pearle, to identify a suitable eye drop according to your specific need and the extent of any existing dry eye problem.
If you plan to spend time outdoors during winter, consider wearing high-quality sunglasses that shield your eyes from dangerous UV lights. Although you can’t see it, you are exposed to UV rays even during the cold season. UV rays are commonly overlooked during the winter months. These rays cause cornea inflammation, making your eyes red, sore, and sensitive to light. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from all of these problems.
Incorporating particular dietary changes can play a significant role in protecting your eyes during winter. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cod liver, fish, and flax seeds, can help reduce dry eye problems. Also, ensure that your meals contain leafy greens, like kale and spinach, as they contain carotenoids that protect your eyes from sunlight.
With more time spent indoors during winter due to cooler weather, you tend to be glued to screens much more. Many people spend their cold days staring at a computer and smartphone. Unfortunately, it can cause you to strain your eyes as you play games and catch up with friends on your social media. Additionally, looking at these digital devices for extended periods cause you to blink less. In return, you then produce fewer tears, causing eye pain and redness.
Proper lighting in your house is essential, especially in the winter when the natural light is substantially lower, making you rely more on indoor lighting. Inappropriate lighting conditions can lead to eye strain, redness, and headaches.
Winter can be problematic for your eyes. However, following the above tips can help you make the winter season more enjoyable.
Protecting your eyes can help you avoid long-term eye problems. Schedule an eye appointment today at Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey by filling out our online contact form.
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