Have you ever experienced itchiness or extra tears in your eyes during the colder months? If yes, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Sanjay Mantry tells us how to look after our eyes in the colder months.
People think that the only protection they need to give their eyes is from the sun during bright summer days. However, whether you actively notice it or not, the sun still shines during even the coldest of winters days, making the need to protect your eyes from UV rays a continuing priority. That said, the sun’s UV rays are not what causes the itchiness or the tearing up that so many experience during the colder months. These symptoms are caused by dryness in the eyes, and it can particularly affect those who wear contact lenses.
During the winter, the air tends to get dryer, thus reducing the moisture in your eyes. Add to that the cold winds and the drying indoor heating solutions most people are exposed to, and you have the perfect formula for eye discomfort. This discomfort is made even worse when people start rubbing their eyes for instant relief, as they could in turn end up scratching their eyes or making their symptoms much worse.
In some cases, dry eyes make people feel like they have a foreign object stuck in their eyes. In others, they tear up constantly as a way of overcompensating for the lack of moisture in the eyes. Either way, your eyes are one of the most delicate parts of your body, and we have created a list of eye-care tips for you to keep in mind this winter.
Finally, as contact lens wearers are most prone to dry eyes, giving your eyes some rest from lenses during the winter is a good idea. Your glasses can both protect you from the elements in the air that cause dryness as well as give your eyes some welcome downtime. Along the same lines, you could also choose to go completely lens/glasses-free by investing in a trusted laser eye procedure that could guarantee better sight and less irritation for longer periods of time.