As the temperature drops, you may experience some visual discomfort that could require a visit to the eye doctor. Many people don’t realize that the cold winter months can take a toll on your eyes. Read on as we discuss common eye-related problems you may have to deal with this winter.
Dry Eyes
Cold air usually carries less moisture than warm air. The low humidity levels can cause your eyes (and even your skin!) to feel dry and irritated. To prevent this problem, make an effort to stay hydrated during the winter months. Drink plenty of water every day. You can also take omega-3 fatty acid supplements and run a humidifier to maintain lubrication in your eyes.
Excessive Tearing
Your eyes may try to compensate for the dry winter air by producing extra tears. We recommend wearing protective eyewear whenever heading outdoors on cold days to reduce the exposure of your eyes to the elements. If your eyes still keep tearing up, visit your eye doctor so we can prescribe an appropriate medication or eye drops to control this symptom.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
Snow can reflect more light than you may realize. This means your surroundings can seem brighter than usual and you might find yourself experiencing some eye discomfort. You might twitch and blink more often. Wearing polarized glasses that offer UV protection is one way to solve this problem.
Sunburn
Did you know that your eyes can get sunburned? Reflected sunlight from snow increases your risk of eye sunburn, a condition that can cause irritation, pain and increased light sensitivity. In the long run, it can also put you at higher risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration other eye problems. This is it’s important to wear UV-protective eyeglasses whenever you go outdoors during the winter months.
Talk to an experienced eye doctor today. Call us at (425) 771-8472 for Alderwood Optical or (425) 485-0430 for Canyon Park Vision Clinic. You can also complete our form to request an appointment. We serve Redmond, Kirkland and nearby WA communities.