As winter steadily approaches and the days get shorter, eye health has never been more important. Cold air, indoor heating and reduced daylight can all take a toll on your eyes — here’s how to keep them comfortable and healthy through the colder months.
Keep Your Eyes Moisturised
We all have a natural tendency to neglect our eyes during the winter months, especially with cold winter winds and central heating playing havoc with our eyes. Winter air is drier than that of other seasons, and indoor heating only adds to the problem — heaters and radiators strip moisture from the air, leaving none for your eyes. It’s important that you keep your eyes hydrated when temperatures start to plummet, as dehydrated eyes can feel dry, gritty, and sore.
Invest in some quality moisturising eye drops to keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation. Using a humidifier indoors will also help regulate air moisture. You can further minimise symptoms by keeping yourself hydrated, reducing the setting on your central heating, and protecting your eyes from cold winds and heaters at face level — particularly in the car.
Wear Your Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer months.
In fact, they can be worn all year round to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Snowfall, ice and the sun sitting lower in the sky can create reflective surfaces that dramatically increase the amount of bright light your eyes are exposed to.
Unfortunately, some people can develop new light sensitivity during winter due to a condition known as snow blindness (photokeratitis), where UV glare from snow, water or other bright surfaces can cause the cornea to become inflamed. Whilst UV400 sunglasses can protect your eyes with the highest level of protection, you may also want to consider polarised lenses.
Related: Do I need UV400 protection for my eyes?
Eat a Healthy Diet
Maintaining healthy eyes isn’t just about what you put on them — it’s also about what you eat. Focus on eating leafy greens such as kale, and keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. A balanced diet supports your overall eye health, not just during winter but all year round.
Monitor Your Screen Usage
We naturally spend more time indoors during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean your screen usage should increase. As tempting as it can be to spend more time scrolling on your phone, watching endless hours of TV, or gaming, remember to take regular breaks, especially if you work on a computer screen all day. The more time we spend looking at screens for extended periods, the more likely we are to blink less, which can cause dry, irritated eyes and even pain and redness.
Practice the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help reduce any discomfort from digital eye strain and prevent your vision from deteriorating.
Wear Your Glasses
If you wear contact lenses, you might notice that they cause irritation during the winter months, which is perfectly normal.
Instead, try switching to spectacles, which will help alleviate any irritation. If you’re a contact lens wearer but don’t own any glasses, book in with us today and we can help.
Stay Safe While Driving
The reflection of light off icy roads can cause difficulty when driving, so ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out. Keep an extra pair of sunglasses in the car to protect you from low winter sun glare. Additionally, avoid pointing your car heater directly towards your eyes, as this can dry them out further.
Practice Good Hygiene
Winter is notoriously cold and flu season, which can affect your eyes through inflammation. Keep on top of hand washing and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes where possible, to limit the number of bacteria and viruses you come into contact with.
Lighting Is Important
As the nights draw closer, lighting is even more important during the winter months, with natural light becoming significantly lower.
Poorly lit conditions can cause unnecessary eye strain, redness and headaches — all of which can be prevented with the correct lighting.
When choosing lighting in your home for the winter months, consider the following:
- Opt for warm light bulbs to create a more natural feel in your home.
- Ensure you have multiple light sources in a room without relying on a bright overhead light.
- Shade any bulbs so that they do not shine directly into your eyes.
Still Concerned About Your Eye Health?
If you have any concerns about your eyes or you’re due a check-up, book an eye test at your local D.I Blow Opticians branch with us today. Our team are there to help.
