Keeping Eyes Healthy in Winter

Winter weather has an impact on many systems of the body. The colder weather can depress our immune systems, dry out our skin, and cause our joints to ache. But what does it do to our eyes? The winter months are a vulnerable time of year for your eyes, but as long as you are aware of the damage they risk, you can take care of your eyes and keep them healthy.

If you live somewhere extremely cold, try not to overexpose your eyes to low temperatures. Anything under 30° is irritating to the eyes, but prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures can cause serious side effects, including blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, and vision loss. Taking care of your eyes means protecting them from the cold, just as you’d protect the rest of our body. Here are a few more tips for winter eye care.

• Don’t forget the protective eyewear. It may seem counterintuitive to wear sunglasses in the winter, but in fact, the sun is still a risk. In fact, if you’re somewhere with snow, the glare can be worse for you than sun on the beach in summer. If you’re participating in a sport like skiing or snowboarding, remember to wear your goggles.
• Watch the heat and humidity. In your car, and in your home, dry heat can be too harsh on your eyes. At home, using a humidifier is the best way to rectify the situation. In the car, use the heater on your feet, not your face.
• Eat a balanced diet. Nutritious food, especially fruit, vegetables, soup, and fish, contain nutrients that are beneficial to your eyes no matter what the time of year.
• Don’t touch your eyes. As we previously mentioned, the cold weather can depress the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness and infection. Don’t give bacteria and viruses a leg up by putting your dirty hands near your eyes.

Healthy eyes, like other systems in the body, benefit from common sense and a balanced lifestyle. At our clinic, we strive to help patients find that balance, so that they can live their best lives possible. To learn more about how we can help you, call today or your free consultation.