Essential Eye Care Tips For Winter
As the days get darker and the nights get colder, winter weather can be particularly harsh on the eyes. Although taking care of your eyes is important all year round, following these simple yet effective tips can help your eyes stay healthy during these winter months!
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Cold winter winds can be particularly drying on the eyes. When the air is dry, the eye surface loses moisture; this can cause dehydration and irritation, leading to dry eye disease. Humidifiers can be helpful in improving indoor dry air conditions; they work by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and increasing moisture levels in the air. If you notice your eyes are starting to feel irritated or dry it is best to visit an eye clinic to get the best advice.
Lower your indoor heating
Indoor and central heating can dry your environment and leave your eyes feeling dry and gritty. Try to lower your indoor or central heating slightly and direct any fan heaters away from your face. This can help to avoid your environment from being too dry and to help protect your eyes.
Don’t forget to wash your hands
Winter colds and flu can leave your eyes feeling sore and painful and could also make them prone to infection. Good personal hygiene such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your eyes can prevent viruses and bacteria from spreading to your eyes and other people.
Protect your eyes from UV rays in the snow
During snowy and icy periods, it is important we take precautionary steps to protect our vision. Did you know that the sun’s UV rays could be reflected from snow? Over exposure to UV rays can cause vision problems so sunglasses are advisable to stay protected from snow reflected sunshine, this will be helpful when driving too!
Switch contacts for glasses
Contact lenses can dry out the eyes and cause irritation. Switching your contact lenses and reaching for your glasses instead could really help during the winter. Glasses may actually help to retain moisture and heat in and around the eye area.
Use overhead lights and lamps
Lighting during the winter months tends to be poorer and this may cause strain and fatigue to the eyes. To help try to combat this try using overhead lights and lamps when using a visual display unit, such as computers, tablets and phones, when reading, and doing close up work or activities. This could help avoid eye strain.
About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.
