6 simple tips to help protect our eyes in winter
1. Make sure you drink plenty of water
Many of us tend to drink more hot drinks during the colder months, but did you know this can dehydrate us further? Drinking plenty of fresh water keeps our eyes, skin and the rest of our body hydrated and this is as important to our body’s vital functions in the winter as it is the summer.
2. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh leafy vegetables
We’ve got plenty of suggestions on the best foods to eat to keep your eyes at their best:
- Can carrots help you see in the dark? They may be useful in the gloomy winter months!
- What are lutein and zeaxanthin and how do they help with vision?
- Which vitamins are best for overall eye health?
3. Create an eye-friendly temperature
The use of heaters and radiators can make the air become dry and irritate our eyes. To keep your eyes moist, try using a dehumidifier in the home. If possible to do so, reduce the temperature of radiators to create a cooler atmosphere.
4. Keep your hands clean
Colds and flu can affect our eyes, causing pain and soreness along with the temptation to rub them often. If you are unwell, always make sure you keep your hands clean after blowing your nose or coughing, especially if you wear contact lenses.
5. Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist
These are especially useful just before you venture outside to protect your eyes from the cold air, but also can come in handy if your eyes feel dry indoors at work or home. Just make sure that if you are a contact lens wearer that they are suitable for lenses.
6. Don’t forget your glasses!
Glasses wearers rejoice! Wearing glasses is one of the best ways to protect our eyes in winter against the cold, drying winds as they provide a barrier.
In the snow, remember to wear sunglasses that give you UV protection. Although it may not seem like it, the sun’s damaging UV rays are present even on snowy days. UV is reflected off the surface of the snow, which can cause sunburn – called Photokeratitis – of the eye.
