3 ways to protect your eyes this winter
- Posted on: Dec 15 2019
Even as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, it’s just as important to take care of your eyes during the winter months as any other month of the year. Damage to your eyes can occur even on the cloudiest and coldest of days. Here are three easy ways to keep your eyes healthy well into the New Year:
- Use eye drops to keep eyes moist
The cold, dry winter air can take its toll on your eyes. Be sure to use artificial tears, which are eyedrops available without a prescription that keep your eyes lubricated and prevent them from succumbing to the wind, dry outdoor air and indoor heat.
If your eyes get to the point where you experience painful redness and itchiness, see your doctor to see if you have dry eyes and what to do to treat them. Sometimes it’s as easy as starting eye drops or medication. It’s important to treat dry eye because you risk vision damage if symptoms aren’t treated.
- Wash your hands and don’t touch your eyes
So many colds and viruses spread during the winter months. Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is a contagious disease caused by a bacteria or virus that spreads easily through contact such as doorknobs or even from hand to eye. Pinkeye is more common in the winter months. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes to avoid the spread of germs.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat
Even when the days are shorter cloudy, harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate through the clouds and damage eyesight. Sun glare from snow can even make eyes sensitive to light. That’s why it’s important to wear UV-A or UV-B sunglasses, especially during the winter months. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can even help keep damaging UV rays off your face, thus protecting your skin and eyes.
The best way to protect the year-round, long-term health of your eyes is to see your eye doctor regularly so they can test your vision and diagnose and manage any problems early on. To schedule an eye exam, contact our Everett office at (425) 259-2020.
Posted in: Eye Care
