As temperatures drop, you’re probably thinking more about how to keep yourself warm during the winter than about how to care for your eyes. Winter can be harsh on your eyes. Eye irritation and even eye injuries from winter sports are common.

Here are three eye care tips to help protect your eyes this winter:

1. Prevent Dry Eyes. Dry eyes are common in the winter due to dry, cold air. The more you run your home heater, the more likely you will be to have dry eyes as using your heater reduces the moisture in the air, drying out skin and eyes. Dry winter air can also cause tears to evaporate more quickly. If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, the added irritation during the winter can be even more painful. To prevent dry eyes during the winter, drink plenty of water, use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist, and use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to maintain eye moisture.
2. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses aren’t meant just for the warm summer months. The sun can damage your eyes no matter the temperature. Snow on the ground reflects the sun’s UV rays. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, but they can also help protect your eyes from harsh, cold, winter winds.
3. Wear goggles. Whether you’re going on an outdoor hike, or heading up to the mountains to ski, goggles are a must to protect your eyes from debris like dirt, bark, slush, and ice. Purchase a pair of goggles large enough for you to wear sunglasses underneath, or find a pair with built in UV protection.

If you are experiencing dry or irritated eyes, or you think your eyes may have been damaged by the sun or debris, contact our office today to make an appointment for an eye exam.