As the temperature drops and winter arrives, it’s important to be mindful of how this season can affect your vision and eye health. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that can impact our eyesight during the winter months and ways to protect your vision and eye health during the winter season.
Colder Temperature
As the temperature drops during winter, our eyes can become more prone to infection. When exposed to cold temperatures, our tear film – responsible for keeping the eye moist and lubricated – can thin out, leaving our eyes dry and more vulnerable to irritation. Colder temperatures may also lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as stinging or burning sensations in your eyes.
Dryer Air Conditions
In addition to colder temperatures, winter often brings drier air conditions. This lack of humidity can cause our eyes to become dry and irritated, leading to symptoms such as redness and itching. Dry air also increases the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is caused by a virus or bacteria entering the eye through an infected person’s hand or saliva droplets.
Reduced Vitamin D Exposure
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for healthy vision, but we are exposed to less of it during winter. As a result, our eyes can become more prone to age-related conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Increased Chances of Injury
The winter months often increase the risk of eye injuries due to icy surfaces, snow and wind. These conditions can lead to more incidents of corneal abrasions or foreign objects entering the eyes.
Ways To Protect Your Vision and Eye Health During The Winter
- Wear Protective Eyewear – Wearing protective eyewear such as goggles or sunglasses outdoors can help protect your vision from any potential injury that may occur during winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding. Make sure your eyewear offers 100% UV protection and is made with shatterproof lenses for extra safety measures.
- Increase Vitamin D Intake – Eating foods high in Vitamin D – like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, mushrooms and eggs – can help supplement our body’s natural production of this essential nutrient which is beneficial for our vision health. You can also talk with an eye doctor in Greensboro, NC, about taking a Vitamin D supplement.
- Keep Your Eyes Hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, so your eyes stay hydrated and lubricated against dry air conditions common during winter. Artificial tears are also great for dryness or eye irritation caused by cold outside temperatures.
- Wear Layers – Layering up will keep you warm and protect against any potential debris that may get into your eyes while you enjoy outdoor activities during this time of year.
With the right care and precautions, you can protect yourself against any potential risks that may arise during the colder months.
If you’re looking for ways to protect your vision and eye health this winter, visit Guilford Eye Center in Greensboro, NC. Our experienced team of optometrists can help you find the right solution for your needs and provide expert guidance on the best care for your eyes during the winter season. Take an eye exam with us and we’ll ensure you get the right treatments. Contact us at (336) 292-4516 to schedule an appointment.
