Winter brings its own set of problems for your eyes! The cold and ice, sleet and snow, glare and other conditions all make it difficult to see clearly. Moreover, this type of weather can assault your eyes without you realizing the damage that is being inflicted. Let us look at some of the more common eye issues that accompany winter weather.
• Dry eyes are a very common occurrence in the winter. That is due to the cold drying your eyes out quickly and not allowing them to create tears that will keep your eyes comfortable. At the same time, when you enter most buildings the immediate sensation of the heated air can also rob your eyes of necessary moisture.
The best way to combat dry eyes in the winter is to use protective eyewear when you are outdoors – specifically polarized sunglasses and/or goggles. These come in a variety of styles and will protect your vision from the dangerous and damaging UV rays so common in winter. Also, it is recommended that you keep a humidifier going at home and work to add moisture to the air. Air that lacks humidity, either indoors or out, can rob your eyes of the natural moisture that supports your vision.
Doctors also recommend you eat foods that support eye health including salmon, leafy greens, and vegetables. You should also take advantage of the many types of supplements to keep your vision in tip-top shape.
If you are a parent, you will also want to visit an optometrist to get their recommendations on caring for your children’s eyes this winter. It is a good idea to model how to care for your vision beginning at an early age.
• Watery eyes can also be a problem in winter. Wind and cold cause some people’s eyes to create more tears than needed. The best defense for this issue is to use protective eyewear – goggles and/or wrap around sunglasses are recommended. If you have a tendency towards watery eyes it is a good idea to keep clean tissues or cloths in an easily accessible location. Anything you put near your eyes should be clean and sanitary.
To get more information about protecting your eyes in winter weather, contact the professionals at Island Eyecare.