Winter Eye Care: Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Snow and Cold

Dry eyes during winter can be a common issue due to the combination of indoor heating and cold, dry outdoor air. Here are some pieces of advice to help alleviate and prevent dry eyes during the winter season!

Hitting the snow?

Wear sunglasses with UV protection:

Snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun's UV rays, increasing your risk of UV exposure. Choose sunglasses or snow goggles that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Wraparound sunglasses can also help block light and wind from reaching your eyes.

Be mindful of snow blindness (aka photokeratitis):

Snow can reflect sunlight intensely, causing a condition known as "snow blindness" or photokeratitis. It is a painful eye condition caused by the overexposure of the eyes to UV rays, particularly in snowy environments. Snow and ice can reflect sunlight, intensifying UV exposure to the eyes. It is essentially a form of sunburn on the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. The condition is not limited to snowy areas, as it can also occur in sandy or highly reflective environments, such as beaches or high-altitude regions.

Symptoms typically appear within 6 to 12 hours after exposure and may include a gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, redness, and blurred vision or temporary loss of vision. If you wear contact lenses remove them immediately.

If you experience these symptoms, get indoors and rest your eyes. The good news is that snow blindness is usually temporary, and the symptoms often resolve on their own within a day or two. However, it's essential to protect your eyes and prevent further damage. Wearing sunglasses and taking breaks from the bright snow can help prevent snow blindness.

Be cautious with contact lenses:

If you wear contact lenses, be mindful of the cold and windy conditions, as they can dry out your lenses and lead to discomfort. Consider using lubricating eye drops designed for contact lenses if needed.

Keep your eyes hydrated:

Cold, dry air can lead to evaporative tear loss, causing dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Humidify the air:

Humidifying the air is an effective method to alleviate dry eyes, especially during the winter when indoor heating systems can reduce the moisture content in the air. Dry air can lead to an increased rate of tear evaporation from the surface of the eyes, causing discomfort, irritation, and dry eye symptoms.

Benefits of Humidifying the Air for Dry Eyes:

Moisture Retention: Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping to maintain an optimal humidity level in the surrounding environment. This prevents the air from becoming too dry, reducing the rate of tear evaporation and providing relief to dry eyes.
Increased Comfort: Higher humidity levels can make the air feel more comfortable, reducing eye irritation and dryness. This is particularly important for individuals with pre-existing dry eye conditions.
Less Eye Strain: Adequate humidity can reduce eye strain, especially for those who spend long hours working on computers or engaging in activities that require prolonged focus.
Better Sleep: Proper humidification can improve sleep quality, as dry air can cause discomfort that disrupts sleep patterns. Well-humidified air can lead to a more restful sleep, promoting overall eye health.

Tips for Effective Humidification:

Choose the Right Humidifier: There are various types of humidifiers available, such as cool mist, warm mist, and ultrasonic humidifiers. Each type has its benefits and considerations. Choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels: Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% to 50%. Levels above 50% can lead to excessive moisture, which may promote the growth of mould and dust mites.
Clean and Change Filters: If your humidifier has filters, follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean or replace them regularly. This helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and other contaminants.
Use Distilled Water: To minimize the release of minerals and impurities into the air, consider using distilled water in your humidifier.
Avoid Over-Humidification: Too much humidity can create a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Monitor humidity levels and adjust your humidifier accordingly.
Regular Maintenance: Clean and disinfect your humidifier at least once a week to prevent bacterial growth and ensure it operates efficiently.
Place the Humidifier Wisely: Position the humidifier away from walls and furniture to allow the moist air to circulate effectively. Avoid placing it too close to your bed or seating area to prevent excess moisture exposure.

Avoid direct heat:

Position yourself away from direct heat sources, such as heaters and vents, as they can further dry out your eyes.

Evaporation of Tears: Dry indoor air caused by heating systems can lead to increased evaporation of tears from the surface of your eyes. When the air lacks moisture, it absorbs the natural tears on your eyes more rapidly, leaving them dry and irritated.
Reduction in Humidity: Heating systems can lower the humidity levels in enclosed spaces. Low humidity levels contribute to dry eyes because the tears evaporate faster in dry air. In the winter, when the outdoor air is also cold and dry, this effect can be more pronounced.
Indoor Allergens: Heating systems can stir up dust and allergens present in the air, which can irritate your eyes further. When your eyes are dry, they become more sensitive to irritants, exacerbating discomfort and possibly triggering allergies.
Vasodilation: Direct heat can cause blood vessels in and around your eyes to dilate, leading to redness and irritation. This can be especially problematic for individuals already experiencing dry eye symptoms.

Clean your eyelids:

For some individuals, dry eyes can lead to the formation of crust on the eyelids or the accumulation of secretions around the eyes. Cleaning your eyelids and lashes can help remove these crusts, preventing blockages of the meibomian glands, causing meibomian gland dysfunction.

Use a mild, tear-free eye cleanser and a warm compress to gently clean your eyelids! Need product suggestions? Aelo has got you covered!