Most people protect their eyes from the intense summer heat, which is why sunglasses are a must-have when hanging out at the lake or during outdoor activities. When winter comes, the significant decrease of daylight can leave some forgetting about their eye health. What they fail to realize is that eyes can be just as much – if not more – at risk in the winter than in the summer.
Opti-Care, the leading provider of eyeglasses and other eye care needs in the region, shares a few important tips to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable this cold season.
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Protect from UV rays. UV radiation exists, whether there’s plenty of sunshine around or not. People forget that sometimes, especially when the temps start to drop. Snow reflects as much as 80% of UV radiation, so it’s important to wear appropriate eyewear to reduce glare and provide an overall safe, comfortable vision.
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Keep your eyes moisturized. Cold winds coupled with intense, dry air, and indoor heating can lead to dry eyes and discomfort. Use moisturizing eye drops as often as needed and consider minimizing the room temperature or installing a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It’s also a good idea to take in more fluids and blink more often when you feel your eyes turning dry. Your doctor can also recommend other dry eye treatments specific to your needs, so be sure to pay him a visit this winter.
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Give your eyes a break. Planning to watch Netflix all day while it snows outside? Sounds nice, but be sure to schedule regular breaks in between. Remember that increased time spent in front of digital devices can make eyes more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
Following these tips can help make the winter months more comfortable for your eyes. If you need the help of an expert eye doctor, feel free to get in touch with us at Opti-Care. Give us a call at (410) 795-8670 or complete our contact form to book an appointment. We serve residents in Westminster, MD, and the surrounding areas.