Seven Tips To Protect Your Eyes This Winter

Winter brings its own unique set of challenges for maintaining healthy eyes. The combination of cold, dry air, indoor heating, and increased exposure to UV rays from reflective surfaces like snow can take a toll on your vision. While it’s easy to focus on bundling up to stay warm, protecting your eyes should also be a priority during this season.

Fortunately, there are simple and effective steps you can take to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all winter long. Here are seven essential tips to protect your eyes this winter:

1. Stay hydrated for healthier eyes: In winter, people may feel less thirsty, but staying hydrated is just as crucial as in warmer months. Drinking enough water helps keep eyes hydrated, promoting healthier tear production and reducing the risk of dryness.
2. Shield your eyes from UV rays: Snowfall, ice and the sun sitting lower in the sky can create many reflective surfaces that can dramatically increase the volume of harmful UV rays. This makes it important to keep your eyes protected. Some people develop new light sensitivity during winter due to a condition known as snow blindness (photokeratitis), where the UV glare from snow, water or other bright surfaces can cause the cornea to become inflamed. Protect your eyes by wearing 100 percent UV protected sunglasses when outside, and while participating in outdoor sports, wear snow goggles with UV protection.
3. Keep your eyes moist: As the air gets colder, it does not hold as much humidity. The warm, dry air indoors can also cause dryness, because the air can dehydrate and damage the eyes. Since inside air is typically recirculated, it contains more bacteria, fungi, and viruses than outdoor air. To keep your eyes healthy, you should blink frequently to keep your eyes moist, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and (unless you can’t help it) avoid extreme heat sources like portable heaters, radiators, and fireplaces.
4. Maintain good personal hygiene: Wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis. Also, avoid touching your eyes as this can cause accidental injuries, spread germs, and irritate already dry or sensitive eyes. If you play in the snow and get snow in your eye, rinse it out immediately.
5. Limit screen time to prevent eye strain: With more time spent indoors during the winter season, people tend to use their digital devices a whole lot more. They may spend most of their workday staring at a computer screen, and when you add this together with catching up on social media, gaming or watching television in the evening, it can take its toll on your eyes. Taking regular breaks with the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can help prevent eye strain.
6. Adjust the lighting in your home: Good lighting at home is important, particularly during the winter months when the amount of natural light is significantly lower and we rely a lot more on artificial lighting. Poor lighting conditions can cause unnecessary eye strain, redness and fatigue headaches. To improve the lighting in your home, consider using multiple light sources in a room to increase the amount of light without relying on a super bright overhead light. You should also consider warm light bulbs over cool blue type bulbs to create a more natural feel. Use lamps with directed light for tasks like reading and writing, and at regular intervals, open blinds and curtains to allow as much natural light into your home and work space as possible.
7. Maintain a diet that is friendly to eye health: Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts), lutein, and zeaxanthin (leafy greens, eggs), and vitamins A and C (carrots, citrus fruits). These could help to fend off dry eye syndrome and other vision challenges associated with the season.

Don’t let the harsh winter conditions compromise your eye health. By staying hydrated, shielding your eyes from UV rays, maintaining a balanced diet, and taking proactive measures to combat dryness and strain, you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision all season. Whether you’re enjoying winter sports, cosying up indoors, or navigating bright snowy days, these practical tips will help ensure your eyes stay protected and healthy.

If you have any questions regarding eye care at Optimax, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to discuss queries with you over the phone (0800 093 1110) or email (enquiry@optimax.co.uk).