Winter Eye Health Dos and Don’ts

It is getting to that time of year when the weather is cold and the air becomes dry. Whether you love it or can’t wait for warmer days, winter is here. Winter and colder weather can put you at an increased risk of certain eye problems. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of eye problems. 
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Below are some do’s and don’ts to keep your eyes healthy this winter. 

Don’t exacerbate dry eyes

Symptoms of dry eyes can become worse in the winter. The cold air often contains less moisture than in warm weather. Less moisture can cause the tears on the surface of the eyes to evaporate quickly, drying the eyes further. Winter winds do not do your eyes any favors. They also may dry out the eyes. 

The use of heaters and fireplaces to warm up also can make the inside air dry. Add in a car heater blowing in your eyes, and it is a recipe for dry eyes. But you don’t have to let symptoms of dry eyes become worse this winter. There are ways to combat dry eyes, including 

• Using a humidifier to keep the inside air moist 
• Use artificial tears to lubricate the eyes 
• Talk with an eye doctor to ask about additional treatments 

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Do give your eyes a screen break

As the weather gets cold, you might find yourself outside less. Inside, you might spend more time on digital devices, such as a laptop or cellphone. Too much time in front of these devices can lead to eyestrain. Remember to give your eyes a break every hour or so and look away from the screen for a few minutes. 

Don’t ignore new eye symptoms 

You may have a busy holiday season and have a lot on your plate, but if you develop any changes to your vision, don’t put off seeing an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye exam can help diagnose eye problems in their early stages. 

Do wash your hands often to prevent infections 

Winter is that time of year when we tend to gather indoors. It also means an uptick in colds, flu, and covid-19. It is possible to contract an infection, such as a virus, through the mucous membranes in your eyes. For example, if you touch an object or surface that has a virus on it and rub your eyes, you may contract the virus. Frequent handwashing is a good step to lower your risk of getting sick. 

Don’t skip the sunglasses 

The UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes, even in the colder months. The sun can penetrate the clouds any time of the year. Too much sun exposure can increase your risk of certain eye diseases. It can also lead to snow blindness, which is a type of photokeratitis. 

Photokeratitis is damage to the corneal cells from UV rays. The severity of symptoms may depend on the extent of the exposure. Sunglasses 
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Do stay well-hydrated

In the summer, it is easy to remember to drink plenty of water. With the advent of colder weather, we may not feel as thirsty and forget to stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes moist and produce adequate tears. 

If you have any questions on winter eye health or have problems with dry eyes, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.