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Extreme cold conditions have an impact on our eyes, particularly causing dryness when the humidity decreases.
Avoid excess exposure to dry and windy weather. You can avoid irritation and maintain eye moisture by using lubricating eye drops.
Our eyes are very sensitive organs and are subject to undergoing changes due to environmental conditions. Grittiness, dryness, and allergies are known symptoms in extremely hot weather. Similarly, extreme cold conditions also have an impact on our eyes, particularly causing dryness when the humidity decreases. In contact lens wearers, this effect is further accentuated. Hence, eye care is very important during the winter months.
Dr. K Harsha, Head Clinical-Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru shares simple tips to follow during winter if you are wearing contact lenses:
- Stay hydratedIt’s important to be well hydrated. Try to consume six to eight glasses of water each day. Hydration helps avoid dry eyes and preserves the moisture balance in your eyes.
- Keeping the eyes coolAvoid excess exposure to dry and windy weather. You can avoid irritation and maintain eye moisture by using lubricating eye drops.
- Reduce Contact Lens wear timeDuring the winter, try to keep your contact lens wear time to a minimum. This may lessen discomfort and dryness. If at all feasible, replace contact lenses with UV-protective eyewear.
- Type of contact lens material also plays an important roleOpt for silicone hydrogel lenses which help to prevent water evaporation from the eye and thus retain moisture.
- Maintain Good Contact Lens HygieneWhen handling and cleaning your lenses, always adhere to the recommended procedure. Make sure your contact lens case is clean and sanitized on a regular basis.
- Use a humidifierUsing a humidifier in your home or office can help add moisture to the air, reducing the chances of your eyes becoming dry and irritated.
- Applying warm compressesUsing warm compresses on your eyes on a regular basis can help relieve dryness and improve moisture retention. This is particularly helpful if you spend a lot of time wearing contact lenses.
- Limit Screen TimeSpending too much time on screens can cause eye strain and dryness, especially if you wear contact lenses. By adhering to the 20-20-20 rule, which states that you should look at anything 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes, you can develop the habit of taking frequent pauses.
- Be mindful of your dietEye health is significantly influenced by a nutritious diet. To promote ideal eye moisture and general eye health, include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, and those high in vitamins A, C, and E, such green vegetables, eggs, lean meats, and nuts.