As we approach the winter months, it’s important to recognise the impact weather has on our eyes.
We gave you some summer eyecare tips earlier in the year, now here’s our advice for good winter eye health.
UV protection in the winter
Though winter means colder temperatures, there is still a risk of sun damage from the UV rays emitted. There’s also an added risk of snow blindness during snowy weather, as snow reflects 80% of sunlight. Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis, which can be caused in both the summer and winter.
You should take precautionary measures and wear UV-rated sunglasses in the winter sun – particularly when it’s snowing.
Dry eyes – causes and treatment
With winter comes colder weather and low to no humidity.
This dry, cold air can create many problems for the body including dry skin, cracked lips and dry eyes. This is often made worse using artificial heating indoors, which is also a dry air.
To combat dry eyes in the winter, you can:
- Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops
- Use a lower temperature on your central heating – you can also consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air. Hint: a bowl of water near a radiator can also work as a homemade humidifier!
- Don’t put your car’s heating on the highest settings
- Drink lots of water to keep hydrated
The skin around the eyes can also become dry and irritated due to the low humidity. Read our tips on taking care of the skin around your eyes on our blog here.
Low-light complications
Natural light is significantly lower during the winter, with shorter days and cloudier weather. Poor lighting around the home can cause unnecessary strain on your eyes and lead to headaches, fatigue and discomfort.
Try to get as much natural light as possible during the day and use extra sources of light in the evenings if required.
Using a screen in a dark room can also cause strain on the eyes as they try to focus between the contrasting brightness levels. Adjust the screen brightness and/or lighting in the room for a more comfortable experience.
Worried about your eyesight?
If you’re worried about eye strain, dry eyes or any other eye problems – book an eye test to get a full overview of your eye health and expert advice.
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