Eye Health: 3 Essential Tips for Surviving Winter

It’s a well-known fact that the secret to enjoying winter is being well equipped: a warm coat, waterproof lined boots, a toque, scarf and gloves to protect your hands and face. But what are you doing to protect your eyes from winter’s extreme temperatures? To make the most of the cold weather, here are a few tips to give your eyes the protection they deserve.   

1 - Sunglasses in all Weather

Did you know that snow reflects up to 85% of the sun’s harmful rays? Outdoor winter activities can therefore be particularly hard on eyes that are not properly protected. Whatever the weather, wear quality sunglasses that meet the UV 400 standard, a treatment that enables the lenses to block almost 100% of ultraviolet rays.    For added protection against glare and the effects of light reflection, opt for polarized lenses; they’ll give you sharper colours and greater contrast so you can see more clearly when you’re out and about and even on the road.

2 - Protection tailored to winter sports

Whether you’re skiing, snowmobiling, hiking or doing any other outdoor sport in winter, the right eye protection will not only help you see clearly and improve your performance but will also protect the integrity of your eyes. Protective eyewear will of course prevent debris, snow and other foreign objects from blinding you or injuring your eyes.

What about vision correction? Many people neglect their prescription when it comes to recreational sports, but your safety depends on it too. To navigate the varied textures of the snowy slopes with ease, choose ski goggles that are suitable for adding your prescription or opt for contact lenses. To help you sort through your options, don’t hesitate to ask your local optometrist for help: they’ll be able to find the solution best suited to your needs.

3 - Beware of Dry Eyes

From the icy gusts of wind to the heated areas we take refuge in from the cold, our eyes must deal with temperature changes that are as drastic as they are drying. The secret to pampering your eyes during the cold season is to moisturize them in every way possible. Eye drops can be used to relive the symptoms of dry eyes. Using a humidifier in places you spend the most time, such as the office or home, can also help to alleviate the dryness caused by heating. 

To maintain healthy habits that will benefit your eyes year-round, remember to drink plenty of water and add supplements to your routine or eat foods rich in omega-3, vitamins A and C, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamins and antioxidants that will protect your eyes in the long term against dryness and certain degenerative eye diseases.

If you have any questions or would like more personalized advice on how to care for your eye health this winter, schedule your next appointment at an OPTOPLUS clinic and let our experts help you see things more clearly. 

The health of your eyes is precious; be sure to have a yearly eye exam to detect any changes early on. Make an appointment at an OPTOPLUS clinic near you to benefit from the great care of our optometrists.

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