This is a collaborative post
Cold weather can have a harsh effect on our eyes, so it’s important we take extra care of them during the winter months. We’re always told of tips to look after our general health during winter, but quite often our eye health is overlooked. But with extreme temperatures and precipitation, we need to take steps to protect them.
I always find my eyes suffering in the cold weather, even with wearing prescription glasses, it seems the cold wind and rain just make my eyes really tender.
Here are some eye issues you should look out for this winter, and if the problem persists you should consult an eye doctor.
Dryness
Dryness is quite a common problem during winter as your eyes are exposed to varying temperatures; from going out in the cold, to heading back indoors where the heating is turned up. With low humidity and colder winds that cause chapped lips and dry skin, it can also cause dry eyes. You can prevent this by staying hydrated and increasing your omega 3 intakes. If you are suffering from dry eyes, you can buy eye drops or an eye mist to give them added moisture.
Tearing
During winter some people suffer from their eyes tearing up and running when they step outside. This could be due to cold air and strong winds. Some people find that wearing sunglasses or goggles helps shield their eyes from the winter weather conditions and prevents them from running. If you find that your eyes tear up indoors, then this could be due to a seasonal allergy and you should consult a doctor for allergy medication.
Redness
Your eyes can become red, tender and inflamed due to cold weather conditions and this can result in your eyes swelling, becoming discoloured and even eyelid spasms. Should you experience any of these symptoms, try applying a cool compress such as a damp cloth to the eye and take over-the-counter medication. If the discomfort continues, it’s best to seek medical advice from your doctor to determine the cause.
Changes to vision
Vision changes can occur when the temperature drops and can cause blood vessels in and around the eyes to constrict. This is likely to occur if you are outside in temperatures below freezing for long periods of time. If this happens, you may experience blurriness and double vision and you should head inside somewhere warm. If the vision hasn’t come back within 30 minutes, you should seek medical attention.
What Can You Do?
There are many health conditions that may be affecting your vision, mobility, and overall quality of life. These include cataracts, myopia, presbyopia, and glaucoma, and, of course, there are also numerous treatments available, from cataracts treatment and refractive lens exchange to implantable Collamer lenses and laser eye surgery. The biggest piece of advice we can give anyone who is suffering from an eye health condition is to consult an ophthalmologist at the very earliest opportunity.