Winter can be tough on your body. Freezing air outside and heating systems inside can dry out not just your skin, but your eyes, too. Intense levels of UV rays can hurt your eyes. So what can you do to stay comfortable and healthy? Here are six tips on keeping your eyes healthy in the winter. Stay hydratedDrinking lots of water and juice doesn’t just keep you from dehydrating, it helps maintain moisture levels in your eyes, too. Use eye dropsEye drops help provide your eyes with extra wetness. “If you have dry eyes, be sure to keep artificial tears on hand at your desk or in your purse,” CEENTA Ophthalmologist Nikki Saraiya, MD, said. “You will likely need them more often in the drier winter months.” Use a humidifierThis helps keep the air moist, especially when you’re in a heated environment. Heating systems and fireplaces dry out the air. Don’t sit too close to heat sourcesThey can also dry out your eyes, especially if the heat is blowing directly at you. Avoid the screenDon’t stare at your computer for too long. Extended amounts of screen time can dry out your eyes. Make sure to take plenty of breaks from your screens. A good guideline to follow is the “20-20-20 rule.” Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Wear eye protectionUV rays can be intense during the winter, especially if there is snow on the ground, so make sure to wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim. Eye protection, such as ski goggles, can also protect your eyes from the wind drying them out or from other particles in the air. If you’re still having dry eye issues or other concerns, make an appointment with a CEENTA ophthalmologist today. A healthy winter is a happy winter. This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To make an appointment with an eye doctor, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
