In the winter, as we consider looking after our bodies and our wellbeing, we always think about wearing layers of clothing for protection, ensuring that our skin is protected even though we stay indoors. It is important to make sure that we take good care of our eyes during winter in addition to these seasonal precautions for our health and safety. Otherwise, we may have to look for an eye doctor.

Potential Harms That Can Occur to Your Eyes During Winter

Winter Dry Eyes

The increased prevalence of dry air is one of the first possible risks to vision. Whereas the air can be dry year-round wherever you stay, in winter the weather is cooler as the temperatures drop until they do not retain the full amount of water vapor or humidity in warmer months. The surface of the eye is made up of 99% water so that the cool wind will dehydrate the eyes and make the area look dry and irritated. Our need to run heaters all winter is heightened by the dry winter air. Indoor heat in our homes and forced air in our cars adds to the effect on our skin and eyes.

A moisturizer to treat eyes is one way to fight winter dryness–even personal moisturizers can be used on the work desk! Hydrating drops may also help dry eyes, particularly when you wear contact lenses-be sure your optometrist is using drops. You should talk to your doctor about finding another form of lens if your lenses become drier by winter's dryness.

Hazard Due to UV Rays

UV rays are risky for eyes in winter. Rays are dangerous. Although in the sunny summer months we are most likely to use protective sunglasses, the winter UV can be twice as dangerous as snow reflects the rays of the sun even after they hit the ground. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of these rays to protect against harmful UV rays. It is also helpful to wear oversized lenses so that the light doesn't come from above, below or from the sides of your eyewear.

Tips to Take Good Care of Your Eyes in the Cooler Months

Maintain Humidity

In the winter, the air is very warm, making it difficult for your eyes to stay hydrated. A simple way to fight this is to keep your eyes wet with cooling eye drops. You can buy drops in your local convenience store at an affordable price or use prescribed drops consulting eye doctor if dryness is uncomfortable or persistent.

Distance from Heat Sources

In winter, most people want to stay warm, which can be another reason for dry eyes. Luckily, sitting away from heaters or radiators will make a huge improvement for your eyes. A humidifier is another way to control the ventilation in a room and to keep your eyes comfortable and happy.

Take a Break from Electronic Gadgets

Most people stare at a computer screen most of their working day. And when you add the cold winter to the mix, most of us will be bonded with the TV or on our phones. But we must turn a blind eye to electronics for a long time. In effect, this protects our eyes from pain and redness. Practice the 20-20-20 law, ask your doctor about it. This can help to reduce the optical eye pressure and keep the vision from worsening.

Don't forget Sunglasses

While the sun may not appear in winter, UV rays do not. We wear sunglasses in the summer to shield our eyes from harmful UV rays, but these rays will return from the ground with snow on the ground, and this makes it even more necessary for our eyes to remain protected during the winter. Be vigilant while driving or outside for more than 15 minutes to wear protective glasses. The addition of a hat with a rim can help reduce the harmful effects of sun almost 100% over particularly hot days.

Regulate Your Health

Just like the rest of your body, it's best for your eyes to put the right fuel into your system to keep it working properly. Healthy eating not only improves your vision but can also keep your eyes away from dullness and shivery. The addition of omega 3 fatty acids to your diet helps improve your overall function and helps to maintain moisture in the eyes. Call an eye doctor in OKC if you feel any discomfort in your eyes during winter. Visit Korber Eye Care without delay.

**Disclaimer: The above post should not substitute medical advice nor does it create a patient-doctor relationship.

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