Our instinct might be to assume that we’re safe from harm because it is so much colder outside.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. We’re equally vulnerable to UV rays that are harmful in the winter as we’re in summer. What about our eyes, although our skin may be bundled up from the cold, keeping it safe from UV rays? But what about other ways our eyes are exposed in the winter season?
Protect Yourself from Snow Blindness
One means the sun can affect our eyes in winter is snow blindness. Too much sun can sunburn our eyes and cause temporary blindness, and this problem is far more common in winter because of sunlight reflecting off the snow. Since it can take hours for symptoms to appear, we frequently don’t know we have it till it is too late and we have been exposing our eyes all that sunshine for much longer. Fortunately, there are things we all can do to shield our eyes.
Remember to Get Your Shades On
Only if you think shades are just for summer, think again! A pair of polarized, 100 percent sunglasses are your best defense against harmful UV rays when you are going on your daily commute in windy conditions.
Don’t Hit The Snow Without Your Goggles!
Those of us who like skiing or snowboarding will be exposed to more UV rays than people who prefer summer activities since the atmosphere is thinner at high altitudes, which makes the sun harsher. This is one reason.
If you’re looking for the right pair of ski boots, there are a couple of things to take into account. In addition to locating goggles with 100% UV protection, you can buy a set which has an anti-fog coating, preventing them from fogging up once you begin. Lenses will remove that unpleasant glare which makes it simpler for you to see the slope. You can locate ski boots that fit over them if you wear prescription glasses.
Combating Dry Eye In The Winter Air
The atmosphere can often be warmer in winter than at other times of the year, and the heating we use inside can dry out it even more. This will leave our eyes dry and irritated. To fight against dry eye in winter, make sure that you’re staying hydrated, use the chair warmers in the car a bit more and the heater a little less, and think about obtaining a humidifier for your property.
Ask Dr. Kondrot For More Winter Eye Protection Tips
If you’d like to learn more about everything you can do to protect your eyes from snow blindness, winter dry eye, along with other issues we’re more susceptible to in the winter months, just surf through our blog section!
Healing the Eye wishes to make sure all people are well- informed and have tools they need to keep their eyes healthy year round in the most natural way possible!
We hope everyone stays warm this winter!
Read More: How Can You Protect Your Eyes In Extreme Temperature Conditions?