5 Tips for Better Winter Eye Health

As the weather begins to change in Northwest Ohio, cold weather and increased light intensity bring with it a variety of unique seasonal issues for eye health. Perrysburg eye center has put together this list of helpful eye tips to keep your eyes healthy and happy this wintry season.

Tip #1: Keep your eyes moistened (Use eye drops if necessary!)

This is a big one for most people, as cold weather outside combines with dry air and heating systems inside to create a perfect storm for dry, itchy eyes. For most people, dry eyes are an uncomfortable nuisance, but for others, chronic dryness and itchiness can cause severe irritation and damage to your eyes. If you suffer from wintry dryness, invest in a good over the country eye drop, and be sure to use regularly to help keep your eyes lubricated.

Tip #2: Invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses (Or two!)

Winter is notorious for being hard on the eyes, and we aren’t just talking about the cold winds that can rob them of moisture. Snowy conditions double the sun’s effect as ultraviolet (UV) rays can enter your eyes from above and are reflected off the snow into your eyes. If you have prescription glasses, a pair of prescription sunglasses is a great investment for the winter months. In any case, be sure to wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV light and throw on a hat or visor if conditions are particularly bright.

Tip #3: Swap the coffee for tea (particularly Green) and stay hydrated

One of the biggest causes of dry, itchy eyes in the winter is dehydration, which can be further exacerbated by dry air indoors. Coffee is a diuretic, which acts to pull water out of the body’s cells and dehydrating you. Tea, while still contain some caffeine, lacks the dehydrating qualities of coffee and can help give you a boost in the morning. Best of all, green tea contains natural vitamins and antioxidants which have both been proven to keep your eyes sharper and healthier much longer.

Tip #4: Be sure to wear glasses or goggles when participating in outdoor activities

Winter brings with it a host of outdoor hazards that aren’t a concern the rest of the year. Ice, slush, falling snow and collected dirt and debris can all damage the eye’s soft tissue if you aren’t careful enough. One way to protect your eyes from both outdoor hazards and harsh UV rays is to pick up a pair of prescription goggles with UV protection. If you plan on being outdoors this winter, and especially if you plan on participating in high speed activities, like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or others, be sure to have appropriate eye protection on at all times. Contact the Perrysburg Eye Center today if you are interested in learning more about our prescription sunglasses or goggles for outdoor use this winter season.

Tip #5: Contact your optometrist immediately if problems become more than a nuisance

This may seem like an easy one, but it’s also the one most people get wrong. Dry, itchy eyes not only can cause irritation and inflammation, but they can also be a sign of something else going on with your eye tissue. Worse, chronic dry eyes and the abrasion caused by dry eye lids opening and closing can cause scratching, clouding and longer term issues with the tissue. If you feel like the dryness and itching is becoming worse, or you begin to notice increased irritation or clouded vision, call the Perrysburg Eye Center immediately and get in to see us.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and your eyes are no exception, especially when they’re at increased risk for dryness, irritation, and UV damage this winter. Take some precautions to keep your eyes happy and heathy this winter, and make sure to check in with the eye and vision experts at Perrysburg Eye Center this winter at the first sign of trouble.