Using heating during the winter and the drop in temperatures can cause increased dryness in our eyes during this season. Take care of them!
You've probably been advised to take good care of your eyes all year round . Keeping them clean and healthy is essential to prevent serious eye problems . Therefore, with the drop in temperatures during winter, we must take extra care .
The cold weather increases natural tearing, which is usually not a serious problem . However, discomfort can sometimes warrant a visit to the ophthalmologist.
On the other hand, heating creates a dry environment indoors, causing dry eyes . Furthermore, if you enjoy winter sports like skiing, you should pay extra attention to sun protection. Snow can reflect up to 80-90% of ultraviolet radiation, multiplying the exposure of our eyes. The altitude also exposes them to a greater amount of UVA rays.
In this regard, excessive radiation can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts or retinopathy . Therefore, specialists recommend wearing sunglasses specifically designed for these winter sports . The lenses must always be certified, with side shields to prevent glare. They should also be the correct shape and size to allow for good color vision and protect the eyes from injury.
Ophthalmologists emphasize that dry eyes and watery eyes are normal during seasonal changes . These factors can be bothersome, but with a specific eye care routine, serious eye problems will not develop.
In addition to natural environmental factors and indoor heating, we must also consider the excessive use of screens . We spend more and more hours working in front of a computer or browsing on our phones. We are often unaware of the high level of dryness this causes in our eyes.
The best way to prevent that gritty feeling in your eyes is to apply artificial tears 3-4 times a day . It's preferable to use sodium hyaluronate as an external lubricant to increase stability on the corneal surface.
What are the best tips for taking care of your eyesight during the winter?
There are 3 fundamental tips that we must follow correctly to protect our eyes from the winter cold:
- Use a humidifier in your home if the air is excessively dry. Try to avoid excessively dry places as well, to prevent dry eyes.
- Develop a routine where you apply artificial tears 3-4 times daily to lubricate your eyes. When you feel that gritty sensation in your eyes, blink consciously and frequently. If you wear contact lenses, you should especially implement these techniques.
- As we mentioned, always wear certified sunglasses with appropriate filters and shape if you practice winter sports. Pay special attention to this with children.
