The colder months are particularly challenging for the health of our eyes, thanks to cold air, heated rooms and increased screen use. How should we take care of our eyes during this period? Compilation of Alensa, with an expert.
Dry eyes in zimanko
Dry eyes – although they can occur all year round – can become an even more unpleasant problem in the winter and autumn months. When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, many people experience unpleasant symptoms such as burning and stinging, itching, sensitivity to light, and even watery eyes. This phenomenon is not only due to the contrast between cold air and heated indoor spaces, but also, among other things, to the fact that in this case we usually spend less time outdoors and look at screens more, and in winter we are less thirsty and drink less liquid.
The dry air of heated rooms significantly reduces the stability of the tear film, while the windy, cold weather outside accelerates the evaporation of tears from the eye surface. Moreover, the winter sun can also cause problems: the strong light reflected from the snow can also irritate the eyes. During this period, we use screens more, which leads to less blinking, further aggravating the situation. Contact lens wearers may be particularly sensitive to these effects.
The importance of defense
Protection against dry eyes is of particular importance in the autumn-winter period, when the harsh weather and indoor heating put a strain on our eyes. “It is important to pay attention to the protection of our eyes in the autumn and winter months, as dry eyes can not only cause discomfort, but can also lead to corneal irritation in the long term. Tears have many functions: they keep the surface of the eye constantly clean and moist, maintain the transparency of the cornea, and help absorb nutrients and oxygen from the air. Without moisture, the cornea dries out and becomes opaque, infections and inflammations develop.” says Mária Boros, it is Lower down optometrist.
7 tips to prevent dry eyes
1. It is worth using a humidifier
The humidifier helps to maintain adequate moisture on the surface of the eye, thus preventing dehydration. It can be useful both at home and in the office, especially in dry air environments. It is important to clean the device regularly to avoid the accumulation of bacteria and mold.
2., Apply the 20-20-20 rule
The american healthline every 20 minutes, you should look at an object 20 feet, or about 6 meters, for 20 seconds. This helps to relax the eye muscles, thus reducing fatigue and dry eyes caused by monitor use. With this, we can prevent continuous eye strain.
3. Incorporating nutritious vegetables and fruits into the diet
Vitamins that are important for the eyes can be found, for example, in dark leafy vegetables (spinach, kale) and carrots, which are rich in vitamin A and can improve eye acuity, according to the Verywell Health from his article. For adequate eye protection benefits, it is recommended to consume these vegetables with healthy fats such as olive oil, as this also improves the absorption of vitamin A and lutein.
4. Use artificial tears or eye drops
The development of unpleasant symptoms can be prevented with products developed for dry eyes. These products replace the missing moisture and soothe the eyes. It is worth using them preventively, especially in heated or air-conditioned rooms.
5. Wear sunglasses or UV filter glasses
UV radiation can damage the eyes even in cloudy or snowy conditions. Glasses that provide adequate protection help protect the health of the eyes and reduce the chance of eye irritation in bright light.
6., Omega-3 for eye health
The American Academy Of Ophthalmology recommends the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, nuts and seeds – which contain Omega-3 – help keep the eye moist and help reduce dry eyes.
7. Avoid wearing contact lenses for a long time
Wearing contact lenses for too long increases eye dryness and irritation. If possible, use glasses and contact lenses alternately. We should have glasses with the right diopter for cases when we cannot use contact lenses, such as ocular surface damage, discharge, red eyes, damaged or torn contact lenses, viral diseases, antibiotic treatment. Proper cleaning and care is also essential when using lenses.
By applying the above practical advice, we can significantly alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of dry eyes and effectively protect our eye health in the colder months.
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
