1. Keep Your Eyes Moisturized
The colder the air is, the less moisture it’s able to hold. To prevent this dry fall and winter air from causing seasonal dry eyes, use a humidifier in the areas you spend the most time.
2. Wear Sunglasses
While the sun is out much less in winter, that doesn’t mean eye-affecting UV sunlight isn’t still a factor. Sunglasses are more than accessories; they also take care of winter eyes by helping block out harmful rays. So why can the sun still be intense in winter? First, less direct angle of the sun actually makes its brightness more acute. Second, the snow acts like a mirror, reflecting light that hits it back up, so you not only take on the direct sun, but the reflected light too. And third, say you’re going skiing — well, simply put, that puts you closer to the sun, so there’s less atmosphere that UV rays need to penetrate. And what can help protect against all that light? That’s right, your sunglasses.
3. Wash Your Hands
The fall and winter months are when flu viruses thrive. These viruses can be transmitted, most commonly by your hands, to the mucous membranes in your eyes. Help prevent the spread of the flu, as well as other eye-related illnesses, by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes.
4. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids To Your Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t just good for your overall health, they’re also particularly effective in helping with a condition that eyes frequently have to deal with throughout winter: dryness. According to the Mayo Clinic, recent research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may act as a buffer to itchy and dry eyes by improving the production of the eye’s oil film associated with the meibomian glands. As always, before starting a new supplement regimen, consult with your personal care physician to learn more and see if the regimen is right for you.
5. Schedule Your Yearly Eye Exam
If you haven’t already, schedule your yearly eye exam before it’s too late. Not only do the vision benefits of most insurance plans expire toward the end of the year, but a yearly eye exam can also help an optometrist prevent and detect eye health issues. We also welcome your current prescription. And remember: At Pearle Vision, it isn’t just about vision, it’s about care. Our neighborhood eye care experts are always here to help you see and achieve your greatest potential.
Sources:
- https://www.eyesite.co.uk/news/why-wear-sunglasses-in-winter/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eyes-in-winter
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-fish-oil-supplements-and-dry-eyes/
