As winter approaches, the cold temperatures, dry air, and increased indoor heating can affect your eyes. While we take measures to protect our skin from the harsh season, we often neglect our eye health. Winter can lead to various eye issues, such as dryness and infections, making it crucial to adopt a special care routine. Dr. Jay Goyal, an eye surgeon and LASIK and retina specialist, as well as the director at Surya Eye Hospital in Mumbai, shares valuable advice with HT Lifestyle on maintaining eye health during the winter months, including precautions and insights on common seasonal eye conditions.
Dry
eyes
Why It Happens:
Cold
temperatures and indoor heating lower humidity, leading to dryness and
irritation in the eyes.
Helpful Tips for Eye Care:
·
Use a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in your home.
·
Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help keep eyes
hydrated.
·
Avoid direct exposure to heaters or air blowers to prevent
excessive dryness.
·
Remember to blink consciously when working on screens for long
periods.
Important Precaution: If dryness persists,
consult an eye specialist to avoid potential long-term damage from untreated
dry eyes.
Protect against UV rays
Why it happens: Although winter
feels less sunny, UV rays can reflect off snow, intensifying glare and raising
the risk of eye damage.
Helpful Tips for Eye Care:
·
Wear sunglasses with UV protection, particularly when you’re in
snow-covered areas or skiing.
·
Choose wraparound frames to protect against wind and light coming
from the sides.
Important Precaution:
Extended
UV exposure can cause conditions like snow blindness or cataracts, so always
wear eyewear with 100% UV protection.
Guard against infections
Why it happens: The winter season,
often linked to colds and flu, can lead to viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) and
other eye infections.
Tips:
·
Wash your hands regularly to minimise the spread of germs and
infections.
·
Avoid touching your eyes, particularly when suffering from a cold
or flu.
·
Thoroughly clean your contact lenses and avoid wearing them if you
have an eye infection.
Precaution: If you experience redness, discharge, or
discomfort in your eyes, seek medical attention immediately. Using
over-the-counter drops may worsen the condition.
Allergies
Why it happens: Winter allergens,
like dust mites and mould, can irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and
tearing.
Helpful Tips for Eye Care:
·
Keep your living space tidy and free of dust.
·
Wash bedding frequently in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
·
Use anti-allergy eye drops after consulting an ophthalmologist.
Important Precaution:
Refrain
from rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation and increase the risk of
infection.
Dehydration
Why it happens: Cold weather can
diminish our sense of thirst, but dehydration still occurs, leading to dry
eyes.
Helpful Tips for Eye Care:
·
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay properly
hydrated.
·
Incorporate omega-3-rich foods, like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds,
to promote eye health.
Important Precaution:
Limit
caffeine intake, as it can contribute to dehydration, affecting both your body
and eyes.
Indoor
heating
Why it happens: Extended exposure
to heating systems can deplete moisture in the air, leading to dry eyes.
Helpful Tips for Eye Care:
·
Use a humidifier in your room to keep the air moist.
·
Place a bowl of water near the heater to help maintain air
moisture levels.
Important Precaution:
Minimise
time spent in heated spaces and take breaks outdoors for fresh air whenever
possible.
General precautions for winter eye care
·
To minimise eye strain during winter, avoid extended screen time
and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away
for 20 seconds.
·
A nutritious diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E; zinc; and lutein
also plays a crucial role in supporting eye health.
·
Additionally, always wear proper eye protection when participating
in winter sports or outdoor activities.
·
While winter offers its beauty, it also presents specific
challenges for eye health.
By following these tips and taking necessary precautions, you
can enjoy the season without compromising your vision. If you experience
discomfort or unusual symptoms, seek advice from an eye care specialist.
Safeguarding your eyes today ensures long-lasting, healthy vision.