It’s fun to get outside and enjoy the winter weather, but we often forget that our eyes are vulnerable at this time of year too. Most eye problems can be avoided with the right precautions.
Here are some helpful family eye care tips to ensure your eyes are protected, so you and your family can enjoy everything winter has to offer.
Sun protection
Many people think because there is less sun during the winter, that their eyes are safer from harmful UV rays. On the contrary, winter is actually just as important a season for protecting your eyes from high levels of UV.
The sun also sits lower in the sky during the winter, which means it can have a serious impact on your ability to drive safely, particularly when the sun is rising and setting. Many drivers have experienced the blinding pain of the sun shining through the windshield or rear-view mirror during rush hour. Drivers may also have trouble seeing in heavy snow conditions or whiteouts when headlights reflect off the snow.
The best solution for this is to wear 100% UV sunglasses, ideally with polarized lenses to eliminate that bright glare too. We also recommend using low beams when driving in white-out conditions. This will reduce glare and allow you to focus on the road.
Winter activities for kids and adults
Winter is one of the most popular times to take part in outdoor activities. Hockey, curling, skiing and even building a snowman are great ways to enjoy some winter exercise. It is important to make sure your eyes are protected no matter what activity you are enjoying.
The most common eye injuries are blunt trauma when an object hits the eye such as a puck or snowball. Another common eye injury is a corneal abrasion which occur when the eye is scratched.
Goggles, helmets, or wraparound sunglasses are strongly advised to prevent eye injuries and debris from irritating your eyes.
Keeping eyes healthy at home
We generally spend more time at home during the winter, leading to increased dry eye symptoms, thanks to a mix of indoor heating and cold, harsh weather outside. Keep yourself and your children hydrated to avoid developing dry eyes and consider using humidifiers indoors to add moisture back into the air. If needed, eye drops can be used to alleviate dry eye symptoms like red, sore, and itchy eyes.
Get an eyesight test
Finally, the best defense against winter-related eye issues is to get your eyes checked regularly. If you are having trouble with your vision or experiencing pain, it is important to see one of our optometrists in Belleville right away. They will do a complete eye exam including a comprehensive health check using our advanced diagnostic equipment to ensure your vision and eye health are in good shape.
Our experienced staff at our stores can also provide you with the right glasses for your lifestyle and vision so you can experience clear and comfortable vision no matter what you’re doing.
Wondering ‘where’s the nearest eye exam near me?’ Contact us today to arrange an appointment at any of our family eye care clinics across Ontario and Ottawa. Our teams are here to help you throughout the holidays!