Medical Dialogues

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR EYES IN WINTER

During the winter months, the weather and environment can take a toll on our eye health. Our eyes need care just like any other part of the body. Here are some common eye problems that people suffer from during winter and tips to combat them.
DRY EYES
Winter and dryness go hand-in-hand. The loss of moisture from the eyes causes eye dryness. To avoid dry eyes, keep your body hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Avoid direct heat on your face, and wear protective glasses to protect your eyes from the wind that takes away the moisture from your eyes, If you already suffer from dry eyes, speak with your ophthalmologist as they will advise what measures to take so that you can steer clear of dry eyes during winter.
TEARY EYES
Winter months can also affect the eyes by overproducing tears. This can make your vision blurry. To prevent teary eyes, wear protective glasses or sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes against the wind. If you struggle with teary eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Excessive tears can also be brought on by other conditions like infection, clogged tear ducts, or dry eyes.
RED EYES
Red eyes, also known as bloodshot eyes, can be a sign of a range of things, including tiredness, dryness, excessive tears, seasonal allergy, infection, and inflammation. Some people may experience redness in the eyes due to the weather while others may face it due to direct exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods. This may lead to inflammation and red eyes. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is recommended during winter as well.
TIRED EYES
With shorter days and longer nights translating into reduced periods with natural light, everyday tasks like reading could cause strain on the eyes resulting in tired eyes. Having a table lamp on at your desk before dusk can significantly improve the concentration of light needed for reading and writing. To reduce the fatigue of the eyes due to increased screen time, wear protective glasses to reduce the strain, and practice the 20-20-20 rule: Spend at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes looking at something 20 feet away.
LIGHT SENSITIVE EYES
Some people develop sensitivity to light especially during the winter months. This can cause difficulty seeing, especially while driving. Therefore, utilize your sunglasses as you would during summer. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays which may lead to many eye issues, such as cataracts.
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