A Guide To Winter Eye Care

Based on the current weather, it’s safe to say that we’re now heading into winter. These colder months means it’s imperative to look after both your eyes and body as we head into cold and flu season.

We’ve put together a list of our best winter eye care tips to keep your vision clear and healthy this winter.

1) Keep Your Eyes Moist

Winter air is dryer than that of other seasons, because of this water evaporates from the eyes causing irritation and dry eyes. To counteract this, we recommend using moisturising eye drops. Central heating can make dry eyes feel worse.

2) Use a Humidifier

Indoor heating can also be a culprit for dry eyes. Heaters and radiators rid the air of moisture so there is none left for your eyes. Using a humidifier will help to regulate air flow and provide moisture to the air.

3) Eat a Healthy Diet

To maintain healthy eyes, you need to maintain a healthy diet. Focus on eating leafy greens such as kale and keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

4) Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

UV rays don’t only exist in the summer. With snow and ice coating the surfaces in winter, UV rays can be reflected off and into your eyes. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that offer protection for both UVA and UVB rays. Getting too much sun can increase your risk for eye conditions such as cataracts, eye cancer, or photokeratitis – also known as snow blindness.

5) Take Regular Breaks from Digital Devices

Staying inside from the cold might end up meaning more screen time. Excessive time looking at digital screens can lead to tired eyes and headaches. Take regular breaks from screens and follow the 20/20/20 rule, looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. You should also position your computer monitor roughly an arm’s length away from your eyes.

6) Keep Safe Whilst Driving

The reflection of light off icy roads and snow can cause difficulty when driving so ensure that your windscreen is clean inside and out. Keep an extra pair of sunglasses in the car to protect you from the glare of the sun. Additionally, avoid blowing your car heaters directly towards your eyes to prevent them drying out. If you wear glasses, ask about having an anti-reflection coating put on the lenses to reduce the effects of sun glare while driving.

7) Practice Good Hygiene

Winter is notoriously cold and flu season which can affect your eyes through inflammation. To minimise this, practice good hygiene and keep on top of hand washing to limit the number of bacteria and viruses about. Additionally, avoid rubbing your eyes to help prevent accidental injuries to the eyes.

8) Think About Winter Lighting

You might find yourself needing to wear your glasses more in dim light or when the lighting is poor. Sit close to a window if you need to see something clearly and have good lighting close to you at home such as a desk light. It is encouraged to still spend time outside in natural light this winter as time outside can reduce the onset of myopia in children.

9) Take Care with Cosmetics

First up, get rid of any expired cosmetics. Most makeup such as eyeliner and mascara will have an indicator of 6-, 12-, or 24-months use-by-after-opening date. When applying makeup, always do so outside of the lash line and away from the eye to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelids. These glands secrete oils that protect the eye’s surface. Additionally, never share eye makeup with anyone, even family members or close friends.

If you’re concerned about your eyes this winter, book in for a consultation with your local Opticare Opticians today.