Do you enjoy the winter season? The cold and crisp weather can be a nice change of pace from the warmer months of the year for some, but it may bring discomfort as well. The season makes the air drier and less moisturizing. Lower indoor humidity and outdoor cold winds can cause many health issues, including pain and itchiness in your eyes.
Indoor air also becomes dry which lowers the humidity level and causes discomfort in your eyes and the rest of your body. It can also cause excessive tearing and blurry vision. Research studies suggest that it is crucial to take care of eyes to protect them from common problems and slow blindness.
The post will discuss in detail the most common eye problems you are likely to face during winter.
Common Eye Problems
- Dry Eyes and Irritation
The cold temperature makes the air drier than the warmer season. Eyes are more sensitive and prone to effects of dryness. Additionally, dry eyes can lead to redness, itchiness, and scratchy eyes. You can use a humidifier indoors to keep indoor air healthy and moisturized. Moreover, drink plenty of water and include nuts and fish in your diet for their nutrients.
Dry cold air can also cause swelling around your eyes that you can reduce by applying a wet cloth to the swollen area.
- Excessive Tearing
Another eye problem you may experience is watery eyes or excessive tearing. Your eyes may produce tears to get the proper moisturizing level that decreases due to the drying effect. If you feel extreme discomfort, you can wear glasses to prevent exposure to particles in the environment. If you experience excessive teary eyes, it may be due to an eye allergy. In this case, you need to consult with a doctor.
- Sensitivity to Light
Sensitivity to light is another issue that is common in the winter season. If you feel discomfort, you can wear UV-graded protective glasses when going outside.
- Redness and Inflammation
Extreme dryness in the air can cause redness, tenderness, and inflammation in your eyes. Your eyes may swell or get bruising. Besides, you may experience redness due to seasonal allergies, snow blindness, and dry eyes. To prevent the symptoms, you may use a soft and damp cloth; apply gently on the affected area and consult with medical health provider in severe cases.
- Vision Changes
Spending most of the time in shallow temperatures constricts the blood vessels around your eyes. The constriction affects your vision, like double vision and blurriness. If the cold atmosphere causes vision changes, it is advisable to move to a warmer climate. If your symptoms worsen, you need to get an eye check-up and get some eye treatment.
Bottom Line
If you experience any of the eye problems discussed above, immediately consult with an eye specialist before the problems worsen. Eyes are more susceptible to infection and allergies and demand extreme care. They require medical attention, so make sure to identify the symptoms and consult your doctor.
