Winter’s cold air and rainfall are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. However, this weather can have unfavorable effects on the eyes. The decrease in temperature and humidity levels and the rise of winter's cool and arid winds may trigger various dry eye symptoms, such as redness, grittiness, stinging, itching, watery eyes, and blurred vision. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent dry eye this winter season, listed below.
Tips To Prevent Winter Dry Eyes
The following tips on preventing dry eye do not replace the advice and care of an optometrist but are meant to shed light on the topic and hopefully render your winter season a more comfortable one.
- Combat the outdoor dryness by using a humidifier indoors. Your eyes will thank you.
- Always wear sunglasses or other protective eyewear outside to shield your eyes from winds, debris, and harmful UV rays.
- Being stuck inside on a snowy day can mean more screen time. Remember to blink often while enjoying that movie or writing that email.
- Try using lubricating eye drops. Dr. Ben Giddens, Dr. Andrea Kozma and Dr. Brandon Pham can guide you on which eye drops will best suit your needs.
- Stay hydrated! The eyes are part of a whole system; if one part is dehydrated, chances are the rest of the system could use some hydration as well.
- Eat foods rich in Omega-3s to promote healthy tears, such as salmon or nuts, as they stimulate quality tears and reduce dryness.
Dry eye symptoms can range from being mildly uncomfortable to debilitating. Don’t let this condition stop you from enjoying this winter season. If you are concerned that you may have dry eye or are experiencing any of its symptoms, speak to us at Giddens Optometry and we'll be happy to provide you with the relief you need.
Giddens Optometry provides dry eye relief and treatment to patients from Georgetown, Limehouse, Acton, Halton Hills, and throughout Ontario.
