You adjust your wardrobe and skin care routine for the colder months, but what steps are you taking to protect your vision? The changing weather can impact your eyes in ways you might not expect. Here, we’ve got the info that will help you take care of them.
For comprehensive eye care in every season, turn to Akhilesh Singh, MD, at Downtown Ophthalmology in Forest Hills, New York. In addition to routine examinations and treatment, Dr. Singh provides patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain clear, comfortable vision throughout the year.
So don’t let seasonal irritation and strain threaten your long-term eye health. Here, we share 5 effective strategies for safeguarding your sight this winter.
The dry, cold air outside combined with forced heat indoors can rapidly evaporate your natural tear film — the layers of oil, water, and mucus that protect the surfaces of your eyes. When this film is compromised, the exposed cornea is left vulnerable to irritation and tiny abrasions.
To combat moisture loss indoors, consider investing in a humidifier, or place a warm, moist compress over your eyes each night before bed. If you’re at work or on the go, artificial tears (hydrating eye drops) work to instantly boost moisture levels and relieve mild dry eye symptoms.
While sun protection might not be on your mind right now, ultraviolet (UV) rays still pose a risk to your eye health through the winter — even on cloudy days. A layer of bright, white snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, effectively doubling your exposure.
The intense glare from the snow may lead to snow blindness (photokeratitis), a painful, temporary condition akin to a sunburn on the surface of the eye. Long-term UV exposure is linked to an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
When selecting sunglasses, always choose lenses labeled as providing 100% protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around styles offer the best coverage against reflected light and wind-blown debris.
As cold and flu season hits its peak, so does the risk of highly contagious infections like viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. This infection is typically caused by the same viruses responsible for many respiratory illnesses (adenoviruses), which spread easily from your hands to your eyes, resulting in symptoms such as itching, irritation, swelling, and a noticeably pink or red color.
The best defense is to make frequent, thorough handwashing a top priority, and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes throughout the day. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time, especially after being out in public, sneezing, or blowing your nose and before handling eye drops or contact lenses.
Addressing external dryness is important, but staying internally hydrated is essential to maintain a robust tear film. When you are dehydrated, your body may struggle to produce a sufficient volume and quality of tears, making your eyes less resilient and more susceptible to irritation and strain.
To support healthy tear production, be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive caffeine, and maintain a balanced, unprocessed diet. Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and walnuts, leafy greens like kale, and vitamins C and E, found in citrus, kiwi, and avocado, which help fuel optimal eye function.
Colder weather means more time spent curled up indoors and, often, a sharp increase in screen time. Too many hours spent focusing on digital screens can strain the eye muscles and reduce how often you blink, leading to dryness, discomfort, and temporarily blurred vision.
Counteract digital eye strain by practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. You should also adjust your screen’s brightness level to comfortably match the ambient light in the room — and don’t forget to blink.
If you’re experiencing dryness or irritation that persists despite implementing these tips, it may be time to rule out an underlying eye condition. Call or send an online message to Downtown Ophthalmology today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh and ensure your eyes stay healthy.
