Taking Care of Your Eyes During Cold, Winter Weather

With the winter season upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your eyes during the colder weather.

Cold weather can be extremely irritating and potentially dangerous to the eyes. People often notice that their eyes get watery and tear up. Some of the simplest ways to get relief is to use eye drops, remember to blink frequently, and wear glasses or goggles to keep the cold air from drying out your eyes.

Getting Out of the Cold May Not be Enough

It might feel good to come into your home or office from the cold, but the dry air caused by heating systems can also dry and irritate the eyes.

If your eyes are dry while indoors, once again you have some simple solutions.

Eye drops and frequent blinking may be very helpful to combat dry eyes while indoors. Eye doctors also encourage their patients to use humidifiers to add some moisture to the air.

Snow Brings its Own Risks to Your Eyes

Brightness from the snow can increase exposure to UV or ultraviolet light by reflecting the sun’s rays. This can result in inflammation of the cornea or keratitis. The eyes may become red, sore, and increasingly sensitive to light.

So if you’re shoveling snow on a bright and sunny day, be sure to put on a pair of sunglasses or goggles to reduce the risk of eye discomfort and damage.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

You should always see your Eye M.D. if you experience any of the following, weather during the cold weather months or other seasons:

• vision loss
• blurred vision
• double vision
• extreme light sensitivity
• eye pain

These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition. Be sure to contact your eye doctor for an evaluation.