Taking care of our eyes is essential all year round, but it’s imperative in the winter. The winter can be hard on our bodies, and our eyes are no exception. Dry air, cold temperatures, and windy weather contribute to eye irritation and discomfort.Â
The Importance of Eye Health
Most people will have some kind of eye health problem at some point in their lives. Maintaining optimal eye health is essential with such a high prevalence of eye diseases. Regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses, eating a healthy diet, and wearing protective eyewear can all help you protect your eyes.
While there are many things you can do to prevent eye problems, early detection and treatment are still the best ways to ensure a lifetime of good vision. That’s why regular eye exams are so important, especially as you get older. If you have concerns about your eye health, speak to your doctor or eye care professional.
Keeping Your Eyes Healthy in the Winter
You should protect your eyes from the cold weather as the winter season approaches. The following five tips will help you accomplish this:
Wear sunglasses: Your eyes are protected not only from the sun but also from the wind and cold.
Use artificial tears:Â Cold weather can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Use artificial tears to help keep your eyes lubricated.
Take breaks from screens:Â Staring at screens for long durations can lead to eye fatigue. Make sure you take breaks every 20 minutes or so to allow your eyes to rest.
Adjust your workspace:Â If you work at a computer, ensure your workspace is set up so your eyes are level with the top of your monitor. Taking this step will help to reduce eye strain.
Visit your eye doctor:Â If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s crucial to have your prescription updated regularly. Make sure you have your eyes examined annually by your eye doctor.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Colorado Winter
During the winter, we Colorado natives know how cold it can get. This winter, keep your eyes healthy by scheduling an appointment with Dr. John Kirk! Dr. Kirk is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist with experience practicing in Northern Colorado since 1991. You can reach us by calling 970-669-1107.