Eye care essentials for winter: Risks and prevention tips

Winter is a generally a beautiful season but can also bring with it some common eye problems. The dry, cold weather impacts the eyes and causes discomfort, irritation, and even eye infections.Seasonal allergies are also a common cause of eye issues during winter. The allergens present in the environment, such as dust and mold can trigger allergies and cause itchy, watery eyes and other symptoms. Hence it is important to take care of our eyes during this season to avoid eye problems and keep them healthy.

Common eye problems in winter

Eye infections are common during winter due to cold and dry weather and are caused by a virus or bacteria and can result in redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes. Conjunctivitis or pink eye, is common during this time and is highly contagious.It is very common and its incidence is more than 10 million cases per year in India.
Conjunctivitis affects people at any age but tends to occur most often between the ages of 1 – 25 years of age. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of conjunctivitis. This type of pink eye is very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge.
Seasonal allergies can also cause eye problems during winter. Allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander trigger allergic reactions and cause itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion. Dry eyes are a common eye problem during winter due to the low humidity in the air. The eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep them lubricated and lack of moisture in the eyes causes discomfort, itching, redness, and a burning sensation. People spending more time in hot environments such as offices are more prone to dry eyes.

Causes of eye ailments in winter

The cold and dry weather is the primary cause of most eye ailments during winter. Low air humidity levels can result in low moisture in the eyes, leading to discomfort and irritation. Using indoor heaters can also dry out the eyes, leading to dry eye syndrome. Seasonal allergies are also a common cause of eye issues during winter. The allergens present in the environment, such as dust and mold, and pet dander, can trigger an allergic reaction and cause itchy, watery eyes and other symptoms.

Tips for taking care of your eyes in winter

Taking care of your eyes during winter is crucial to avoid eye problems and keeping them healthy. Here are some tips for taking care of your eyes during the cold and dry winter season:
Keep Your Eyes Moisturized: Dry eyes are a common problem during winter due to the low humidity in the air. To keep your eyes moisturized, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to provide the necessary moisture. This can help alleviate dryness, itching, and discomfort.
Positives of using humidifier: A humidifier can help increase the humidity in the air and prevent your eyes from becoming dry. The same can be used in the bedroom or other living spaces and can help maintain moisture in the air, keeping the eyes comfortable and healthy.
How to stay hydrated: Drinking large quantities of water is essential to maintain the moisture level in your body, including your eyes. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water per day is ideal to keep the body hydrated and reduces risk of dry eyes.
Sunglasses help in protecting the eye: Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation from the sun or reflective surfaces. It is essential to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from photo keratitis.
The necessity of good eye hygiene: Good eye hygiene is crucial to prevent eye infections during winter. Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. Also, people should avoid sharing towels or other personal items with others to reduce the risk of eye infections.
Don’t rub your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can cause harm during winter when eyes are dry and sensitive. It can also cause redness, and irritation, and may lead to the spread of germs. If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, a warm compress or artificial tears can be used.

Need to protect eyes from dust and pollutants

There is need to avoid smoking and exposure to second hand smoke as this can irritate your eyes and increase the risk of infections. It also exacerbates dry eye symptoms. You must also stay away from pollutants as during winter, indoor air can become polluted due to burning of firewood or heating appliances.
Maintain good care of contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you clean and disinfect them properly, and avoid wearing them for longer than recommended. Overuse of contacts can increase the risk of eye infections, particularly in dry conditions. Also, if your eyes tend to get dry in winter, switch to glasses instead of contact lenses. Glasses are less likely to exacerbate dryness and can provide some protection against cold winds and dust.
By understanding the causes and signs of these vision problems, you can take steps to protect your eyes and maintain good eye health throughout the winter months.