“Winter is coming” isn’t just a statement spoken by various characters in the wildly popular series Game of Thrones. It’s also a fact since winter is actually coming. In just a few weeks, snow will fall in many parts of the U.S.
Winter can be a fantastic season. You can build snowmen or make snow angels outside. If that isn’t your thing, you can stay inside, cozy up by the fire, and drink some steaming hot cocoa.
Unfortunately, winter can also be harsh on the body. Winter brings with it dry, freezing air that can draw the moisture from your skin and especially your eyes. As such, you need to make sure that you take care of your eyes this coming winter.
Unsure of what to do? Lens.com can help you there. Here are four steps you need to care for your eyes in the winter.
- Limit your screen time.
In winter, it’s enticing just to stay inside and wrap yourself in a warm blanket while looking at your smartphone or computer all day. However, doing so can lead to dry eyes. When coupled with cold, dry air, the blue light from the screen of your digital device can severely dry out your eyes and lead to eye strain. Blue light also disrupts your body’s melatonin production, which is a hormone your body produces to help control your sleep-wake cycle and give you a good night’s sleep.
Prevent eye dryness and eye strain and get good sleep every night during the winter by limiting your screen time.
- Regulate the temperature and humidity at home.
During the winter, the ideal temperature for your home is around 68°F (20°C). However, you can lower it by 10 to 15 degrees when you’re sleeping or not at home. Doing so can reduce your heating bill.
Since cold, dry air sucks the moisture from the environment, you should also maintain an ideal humidity indoors. While exact levels will depend on actual temperatures inside and outside the home, experts recommend a 30% to 40% humidity level during the winter months.
Your eyes will thank you for having an environment with the ideal temperature and humidity.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
Wearing sunglasses isn’t just for the summertime. After all, the sun doesn’t disappear just because it’s winter, right? Even on cold winter days, UV rays from the sun are present. Therefore, you still need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Polarized sunglasses are beneficial in the winter. Sunlight bouncing off wet, snow-covered roads can create significant glare, and wearing polarized sunglasses while driving can eliminate this glare, helping you see better and drive much more safely.
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent eye diseases such as macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. Keep your eyes healthy not just during winter but throughout the year by consuming whole foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that include:
- Walnuts
- Soybeans
- Kidney beans
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Hemp seeds
- Brussels sprouts
Conclusion
Don’t let cold, harsh weather ruin your enjoyment of a beautiful season. Follow the advice in this post to care for your eyes in the wintertime. If you wear contact lenses, Lens.com has products available like ACUVUE® OASYS with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS contact lenses that work exceptionally well in challenging environments such as cold and dry air.
Resources:
https://www.goodeyes.com/dry-eye/take-care-of-your-eyes-winter/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-plant-sources-of-omega-3s
