~Winter Can Wreak Havoc On Your Eyes ~
Fortunately, following a few tips can help keep your eyes safe.
- Heaters and dry wind can aggravate dry eyes during the winter months. Dry eye syndrome, particularly common among older adults, is mostly caused by a deficiency in the tear glands, and a common preservative in many glaucoma medications can worsen the symptoms. The main treatment for relief is the use of lubricating artificial tears, preferably with no preservatives. Leave at least fifteen minutes between applications of glaucoma eye drops and the artificial tears to keep from washing the glaucoma drop out of the eye. For more severe cases, a thicker gel or ointment can be used at night or a prescriptive eye drop is available. Using a humidifier in your home may also be helpful.
- It’s important to wear sunglasses in the winter to protect your eyes from dry, cold conditions and from the sunlight that reflects off of snow and ice. Look for a label that says “100% protection against both UVA and UVB” or “100% protection against UV 400.” Choose larger frames. Frames that wrap around the sides of the face offer the greatest protection. Also, note that cost, lens color or tint, lens darkness, mirror-coating and polarization do not play a role in UV protection.
- If you participate in ice skating, skiing and snowboarding, consider wearing special goggles that can provide even more protection. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat to help deflect the sun’s rays and, if possible, to avoid skiing or hiking behind other people to help cut down on the amount of snow and debris that can fly into your face.