Dr Jay Goyal - eye surgeon, Lasik and retina specialist, Director of Surya Eye Hospital, Mumbai (India) - said that winter can cause many eye problems, from dry eyes to infections, making it necessary to adopt specific care habits during this season.
Dr. Jay Goyal outlines six prevention tips, including:
Dry eyes
Cold weather and indoor heating can reduce humidity leading to dry and irritated eyes.
Use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist. Use eye drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated. Avoid sitting directly in front of a fireplace, as this can aggravate dry skin. You can also place a bowl of water near the fireplace to add moisture to the air.
Also, be conscious of blinking when working on a screen for long periods of time, as screen time tends to decrease your blink rate.
Protection against UV rays
Even though it’s not as sunny in the winter, UV rays can still increase your risk of eye damage. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to conditions like cataracts.
Therefore, you should wear UV-blocking sunglasses when going out and should choose wraparound frames to block wind and light from the sides.
Prevent infection
Winter often comes with colds and flu, which lead to viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections.
To prevent infection, wash your hands frequently to help reduce the spread of germs. Avoid touching your eyes, especially when you have a cold or the flu. Keep your contact lenses clean and avoid wearing them if you have an eye infection.
Allergy
Winter allergens, such as dust mites and mold, can irritate your eyes, causing them to become red, itchy, and watery. Keep your home clean and dust-free. Wash your bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites.
Use anti-allergy eye drops after consulting an ophthalmologist and avoid rubbing your eyes as this can further irritate the eyes, leading to infection.
Dehydration
Cold weather often quenches our thirst, but dehydration can still occur, leading to dry eyes.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to maintain optimal hydration levels. Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your diet to support eye health.
Avoid too much caffeine as it can dehydrate your body, including your eyes.
Other preventive measures
Avoid prolonged screen time to reduce eye strain, adds Dr. Jay Goyal. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc and lutein to support eye health. Make sure to protect your eyes properly when participating in winter sports or activities.
