If you suffer with itchy or dry eyes the chances are that the cold and windy winter months can further exacerbate these symptoms. Even if you manage to dodge hay fever and the other eye health issues that the summer months can bring, you may still find that as the colder air rolls in, your eyes grow increasingly uncomfortable.
Thankfully, you don’t need to suffer as there are remedies to help keep your sight in tip-top condition during the winter months.
As tempting as it may be to cosy up to a heater or sit in front of the fire to warm your toes, you need to be aware that you are also drying out your eyes! Sit a little further away or use a humidifier to regulate the airflow in a room.
The outside air is very dry in the winter, a simple way to combat this is to use rewetting eye drops. These aren’t too expensive and can be purchased at your local pharmacy. If the dryness is very painful or persistent speak with your GP or optometrist.
Looking at electronic displays causes us to blink less, leading to a reduction in the production of tears. Our exposure to electronic devices increases in the winter months; as well as the usual working day exposure sat at the computer, we are more likely to snuggle up in front of the TV.
Practice the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain and actually keep your vision from deteriorating.
It’s not just in summer that our eyes need to be protected from the sun and its harmful UV rays. With snow on the ground, UV rays can reflect, which makes it even more important to keep your eyes protected. Remember that UV rays are still harmful even on cloudy days so wear your sunglasses when driving or if you’re outside. On especially bright days, add a hat with a brim for extra protection.
We all know that our bodies benefit from eating healthy, and just like the rest of your body your eyes need the right fuel to feel their best. To prevent them from feeling achy or drying out drink water; staying hydrated will help keep moisture in your eyes, and adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet will help improve their overall function.
If your eyes are bothering you, place a warm, damp cloth over them for 15 minutes for an easy treatment. If you experience chronic eye pain on a daily basis, then you should get this checked out by a specialist.
If you like to hit the slopes, be mindful that high wind speeds can irritate your eyes and cause dry eyes. This can blur your vision and leave your eyes vulnerable to dirt and debris. Find goggles that cover your eyes and have built-in UV protection.
The winter weather can be particularly harsh on your eyes and presents new and different reasons to protect them. If your eye pain or irritation persists, it’s best to see your GP or optometrist so they can make sure you are getting the treatment you need.
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