02 Feb 2025
Posted at 12:01
in Sponsored content
At time of writing, it’s cold. By the time this article hits the internet, we may be in an early spring or an Arctic blast – who knows?!
So, working on theory that these early months of the year are meant to be cold, here are a few ideas to help your eyes in the best possible health…
- Combat Dryness with Moisture
When the temperatures drop, so does the humidity, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated. Add indoor heating into the mix, and it’s a recipe for discomfort. Fight back with a humidifier to restore moisture to the air, and don’t forget to hydrate yourself—your eyes will thank you! Artificial tears can also provide relief for dryness on particularly rough days. - Sunglasses Aren’t Just for Summer
They’re not. A bit like dogs aren’t just for Christmas. Winter sun can be harsh, especially when it reflects off snow (if we get any) and ice, doubling the UV exposure to your eyes. Invest in sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, or consider goggles if you’re hitting the slopes. Protecting your eyes from UV rays
isn’t just about comfort—it helps prevent long-term damage like cataracts. - Stay Warm, But Avoid Direct Heat
When it’s freezing outside, it’s tempting to cozy up close to heaters or fireplaces. However, direct heat can dry out your eyes. Maintain a comfortable distance and use protective measures like lubricating eye drops if you’re spending long hours near a heat source. - Blink More, Especially with Screens
In winter, we often spend more time indoors scrolling, streaming, or working. Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, especially when you blink less while focused. Make a conscious effort to blink often and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (that’s about 6.1 metres for our metric friends) for at least 20 seconds. Your eyes will feel less fatigued and more refreshed. - Eat for Eye Health
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, nutritious meals that benefit your vision. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon and walnuts), vitamin A (think carrots and sweet potatoes), and lutein (found in leafy greens) can help keep your eyes healthy and vibrant. This balanced diet thing really is good for you. - Protect Against Wind and Cold
Cold wind and freezing temperatures can make your eyes water and leave them feeling raw. Wraparound sunglasses or glasses with side shields can block wind and protect your eyes when you’re outdoors. And remember – those extra layers of protection aren’t just for comfort; they help prevent exposure to dust and debris, too. - Schedule a Winter Eye Check-Up
We tend to have more appointments for eye examinations in the winter months (famous last words) so come and see us – we have also have plenty of eye drops in stock and a whole host of specialist knowledge about dry eyes.
