After the period of long scorching summers, we all await the cozy winter season. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and nuts are present in abundance in this season; people enjoy sunlight and wish to work and study to enjoy the comforts of life.
On one hand, winter is an enjoyable season, while on the other, it has its’ own sets of problems. We become extra protective about protecting our bodies against cold weather. Our eyes remain the most exposed body part that is troubled during winter.
So, we need to be extra cautious about them. Here are some great eye care tips to help you protect your delicate eyes-
Eye Health Tips During Winters
1. Remember UV Rays Harm Your Eyes
It is a general misconception that Ultra Violet rays are only harmful when we are exposed to them in summer. However, the fact is that UV is harmful always, especially in our eyes.
Moreover, people sit more in the sunlight during winter to keep themselves warm. So, we are more exposed to UV rays during winter.
It is, therefore, very essential for an individual to wear good quality (which blocks at least 90 percent UV rays) sunglasses while going out in sunlight.
If you wear glasses, go for antireflection coating on the lenses to reduce the effects of sun glare while driving.
Sunglasses will help in preventing sunburn and other eye problems.
2. Keep Your Eyes Well Lubricated
In winter the air loses its moisture and becomes dry. People also start using humidifiers/ heaters at their homes. These humidifiers make the air inside the house very dry. This dried air compels the eye to lose its moisture and becomes dry. This condition of eyes is known as Dry Eyes. To combat this condition of eyes, one should-
a. Drink plenty of water
b. Keep away from direct contact with heating sources
c. Remain in a natural surroundings as far as possible
d. Use lubricating eye drops recommended by your doctor (if required)
3. Restrict Your Screen Time And Ensure Proper Lighting
During winters, people restrict themselves to the coziest corners of their houses to work or study and work on screens for a considerably long time. Overuse of screens and inappropriate lighting in the place of work exerts great pressure on the eyes (also called digital strain). To prevent the such conditions, one must-
a. Reduce the screen time
b. Take a break from screens after every 20 minutes and focus on an object at 20 feet distance for 20 seconds.
c. Ensure ample natural light at your workplace. If not natural, adequate lighting must be essentially ensured.
4. Monitor Your Diet
Winters are blessed with a variety of green veggies and fruits. Carrots, spinach, and Indian gooseberry (amla) are very good for eye health. Such foods must be incorporated into your diet to boost your eye health.
Unhealthy foods with heavy carbohydrates must be strictly avoided.
5. Never Share Your Eye Gears And Eye-Makeup
Make it a rule not to share your eye makeup products with others. Otherwise, you have a high possibility of catching any viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
Also, make it a practice not to share your eyeglasses or sunglasses with anyone. Keep your glasses clean and keep them in a dry place.
6. Visit Your Ophthalmologist
An annual visit to your eye specialist will help you to get your eyes examined very carefully. Also, if you find any problem which troubles your vision, you must immediately visit an eye expert.
7. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking around 7 to 8 glasses of water in winter is a must. Due to the chilly weather, people skip drinking water. This reduces the moisture in the whole body including the eyes.
So, one must be very particular about the intake of water during winter.
8. Stay Away From Eye Infections
In winter, flu and colds are very common. During cold the eyes, ears, nose, and throat of an individual experience pain and discomfort.
One must wear masks and should regularly sanitize or wash hands from further spread of the same. Eye care should be your top priority if you counter any infection.
9. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses
The dry and harsh windy conditions of winter cause discomfort and irritation while wearing contact lenses. Hence, one must avoid wearing lenses during winter.
If itching or irritation persists, one must immediately visit the nearest eye hospital and seek a doctor’s consultation.
10. Maintain Personal Hygiene
Eye health and even the whole body’s health depend on maintaining good personal hygiene practices. Take bath regularly, trim your nails and wash your hands frequently, wear clean clothes and use clean towels. Wash your woolen regularly and put them in sunlight.
We need to take care of our eyes in every season as they are the most sensitive sense organs. We see and enjoy the beauty of the world through them.
For winter eye care, we must follow the above-mentioned tips.
HAPPY WINTERS!
