It's no surprise that the winter season transforms the world around us. It also forces us to change our daily routines to prepare for the necessary changes that winter brings.
However, when the effects of the colder months are at their peak, our wardrobe isn't the only thing we need to change to prepare. This season also affects our bodies and our health, so we need to be ready for this change.
From chapped lips and runny noses to frozen fingers, there's no escaping the discomforts of everyday life. However, if there's one part of your body that bears the brunt of winter weather, it's your eyes.
Exposure to strong winter winds can slow the production of the fluids needed to maintain the protective, liquid layer our eyes need to stay hydrated. The result: itchy, dry eyes.
Your eyes may burn, you may experience blurred vision, or even water to compensate for dryness. At Clínica Nivaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we offer 6 tips to improve your eye health during the colder months of the year:
Tip #1: Keep your sunglasses
If you're prone to dry eyes in winter, a great way to protect them from winter dryness is to always wear sunglasses. Wear them wherever you go.
Tip #2: Keep your eyes moisturized
Winter dryness can leave your eyes feeling uncomfortable and dry. Many people turn to over-the-counter eye drops for instant relief, but with so many products to choose from, you could actually damage your eyes even more.
To help your tear film function effectively, it's important to visit our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife so we can recommend the right eye drops that best suit your eye condition.
Tip #3: Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is also important for healthy eyes. While coffee and tea are refreshing drinks that keep you warm on cold winter days, consuming too much caffeine can be harmful. Instead of relying heavily on coffee, try green tea, Earl Grey tea, and lemon water to prevent dehydration. Besides being caffeine-free, these beverages will encourage you to drink more water.
Tip #4: Soothe your eyes with a warm washcloth
Patients with dry eyes often experience excessive tearing. Apply a warm washcloth to both eyes to restore the proper amount of moisture. This also soothes irritated, itchy, and swollen eyes. Regular use of a warm washcloth will relieve the symptoms of dry eyes and significantly improve your vision.
Tip #5: Follow a nutrient-rich diet
While we take care of our eyes externally, it's also important to maintain our health from the inside out. Eating a nutrient-rich diet will protect your eyes from conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration.
Tip #6: Take a break from screens
It's impossible to completely avoid screens, but taking breaks every hour is ideal to prevent dry eye syndrome. To start, you can look out the window and focus on green objects. This will soothe your eyes.
If you're looking for top-tier ophthalmologists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visit Clínica Nivaria for the best care in the Canary Islands. We'd be delighted to see you!
