Temperatures are dropping quickly. While snowfall, hot drinks, and holidays are all fun and exciting, the cold weather can have some negative effects on your eye health. Here are some tips to keep your eyes safe and well during these colder months.

Wear Sunglasses and Goggles

Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean the rays of the sun aren’t just as present as the rest of the year. In fact, white snow and clouds reflect the UV rays, increasing the intensity and potentially causing even more harm. It is important to protect your eyes from these harmful rays when participating in snow sports like skiing or snowshoeing, and less exciting tasks like driving or shoveling snow.

Use Eye Drops

Because of dropping temperatures, the air does not retain moisture the same way it does during warmer months. The water moisture in the air does not retain its gaseous state and transforms into condensation and precipitation, leaving the air more dry during this part of the year. This can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Using eye drops can ensure your eyes retain moisture and avoid the harmful effects of dry eyes.

Use a Humidifier

Another way to combat dry eyes in the winter is to run a humidifier in your house. This will infuse the air with a higher moisture content and help your eyes from becoming dried out and itchy. As a bonus, a humidifier in the winter can also help keep your skin and hair hydrated and healthy.

Practice Good Hygiene

Cold temperatures decrease immune system effectiveness, so it is more important than ever to avoid exposure to germs in the winter. Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, can be passed through door handles, elevator buttons, public bathrooms, etc. Take special care not to touch your eyes and wash your hands often to avoid picking up anything extra during your errand runs.

Take Contact Breaks

If you are a contact wearer, take opportunities to go without them for a while. Contacts can wick away tears and lead to dry eyes and irritation, especially in winter. Whether you wear contacts or not, make a conscious effort to blink often and rest your eyes after being outside or staring at screens.

Avert Air Flow

Of course you’re gonna crank up the heat if temperatures are dropping outside. Blowing hot air, however, can result in dry eyes. Vents also carry germs and dust that the air flow then carries into the air and into your eyes. When in the house or in your car, direct heating vents away from your face. Clean them often to avoid buildup.

Drink Water

You should be drinking healthy amounts of water all your round, but dehydration is especially common during winter months. Keep your eyes, and the rest of your body, healthy and hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will improve your immune system response and help prevent dry eyes, along with a wealth of other great health effects.

Stay safe this winter! If you are experiencing any eye discomfort or concern, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with an eye doctor and get it checked out. Keep those windows to your soul happy and bright this season!