The cold, dry winds in winter are harsh on not only your skin but also your eyes. Like your skin, the surface of your eyes—which are mostly made of water—might become dry after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. In certain cases, certain eye conditions might develop.
What are the eye conditions that can develop as a result of dry eyes? And how can you protect your eyes in winter? Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, your trusted eye doctor, shares some tips.
Common Vision Complications in Winter
- Dry eyes – Common symptoms include redness, itching, sensitivity to light and a burning sensation.
- Blurred or double vision – You may start to experience blurred or double vision as the blood vessels in your eyes constricts due to prolonged exposure to subzero temperatures. In serious cases, an eye doctor might have to prescribe medication to restore moisture in the eyes.
- Photokeratitis (eye sunburn) – Aside from cold temperatures, you also need to protect your eyes from the ultraviolet rays reflecting off the white snow. Damaging ultraviolet rays can cause photokeratitis or sunburn of the eyes and increase your risk for cataracts and other vision conditions.
If you notice any significant changes in your vision in winter, don’t hesitate to see an eye doctor. The sooner vision complications are treated, the better.
Keeping Your Eyes Comfortable in Winter
What can you do to protect your eyes and keep them comfortable in winter? Here are some tips:
- Wear protective UV-blocking goggles outside – The goggles protect your eyes from the cold, winter air and UV rays and help keep your eyes moist. If you need eyeglasses, we recommend wearing ones with UV-blocking lenses.
- Install a humidifier and change the HVAC filters– Dry indoor air and airborne particles can irritate your eyes and cause allergy flare-ups. Turn on your humidifier and replace your HVAC filters to help keep your eyes moist and remove dust and allergens circulating indoors.
Looking for an eye doctor near you?
Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic offers professional eye care services. To schedule an appointment, call us at (425) 771-8472 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Redmond and Kirkland as well as the surrounding WA communities.