Although many people take care to protect their eyes during the summer months, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for winter. This can become a problem for people as there is lots of potential for eye damage during this time of year. To make the most out of the holiday season it is important to ensure your eye health is top of mind during the cold months that are about to come.
As the weather turns colder, our eyes can be exposed to increasingly harsh conditions. These can include increased allergic reactions, snow glare, dry air, and increased inflammation. For people with diabetes, there is an additional risk of blood sugar levels rising during this time of year. This can happen due to decreases in activity levels and increased food intake.
So what can be done to protect our eyes during the cold winter months? Keep reading to learn more!
Prevent Dry Eyes
It is common for people to complain about dry eyes during the winter months as cold weather leads to dry air and increased use of indoor heaters. Dry eye happens when tears aren’t able to provide enough moisture to the eyes. As the winter air contains less water vapor, people can start to experience red, itchy, or even burning sensations in their eyes. Dry eye can also be caused by too much screen time or excessive computer use.
To help combat dry eye during the winter months, you can start by using some eye drops. Doing so can bring back moisture to your eyes and help restore comfort levels. If eye drops don’t do the trick, be sure to talk to your eye doctor about any continuing symptoms you may be experiencing.
Protect Against UV Rays
UV radiation can be tremendously harmful to the eyes, and this fact remains true even during the winter months. Although the sun may not be shining as brightly, UV rays can still cause damage during cloudy conditions. Snow can also reflect UV light directly into a person’s eyes when they are participating in winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing, or sledding. This is why it is so important to wear goggles that protect the eyes against the sun’s rays, winds, and dry air.
Protective sunglasses can also help prevent UV-ray exposure during daily outdoor activities during winter. It is also a good idea to wear protective eyewear when doing yard work, hanging Christmas lights, or shoveling snow from the driveway. Additionally, a protective hat can keep both your eyes and your skin protected when you are outside for a longer period of time.
Drink Lots of Water & Eat Well
Making sure to stay hydrated during the winter months can go a long way in helping your body retain moisture and combat dry eye. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help your body stay healthy during this time of year. For diabetics, take extra care to eat diabetes-friendly foods that prevent blood sugar levels from spiking. Doing so can help protect the eyes and prevent problems with blood vessels in this part of the body.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great ways to protect your eyes during the winter months. Get some quality eye drops to use if or when you experience any symptoms of dry eye. Be sure to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and other sources of damage that you may come across while doing outdoor activities. Keeping blood sugar levels in control during the winter months can also do a lot of good for diabetics looking to keep their eyes healthy throughout the year.