Winter Eye Care Tips: How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy in Colder Weather

Easy-to-follow winter eye care tips

A few simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy during winter. Here are some useful eye health tips to include in your daily routine:

1. Keep your eyes hydrated

Cold outdoor air and dry indoor environments can increase tear evaporation, leaving your eyes feeling dry, gritty or irritated. To help maintain the moisture in your eyes throughout the day, you can:

• Drink water regularly to stay hydrated
• Blink frequently, especially when reading or using digital screens
• Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain
• Avoid sitting directly in front of heaters or air vents, as these can increase dryness
• Use lubricating eye drops to beat dry eyes. Ask an optometrist or pharmacist for drops suitable for your needs.

2. Wear sunglasses outdoors

If you think sunglasses aren't necessary in winter, you couldn’t be more wrong. Wearing UV-protected sunglasses when you step outside is crucial on colder days, too. The right sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful sun rays and reduce glare from reflective surfaces like wet roads and snow. When selecting a pair of sunglasses, look for:

• 100% UVA and UVB protection: Check the product label for clear confirmation of UV protection.
• A well-fitting frame with efficient design: Sunglasses that cover your eyes adequately can help limit sun exposure from the sides, while the well-fitted frame will stay in place without slipping throughout wear.
• Wraparound frames: You can go for wraparound sunglasses if you prefer additional protection against wind and airborne irritants, as they offer better coverage compared to other frame styles.

3. Handle your contact lenses properly

If you wear contact lenses, dry indoor air and prolonged screen use can make contact lens wear a bit uncomfortable. Proper lens care practices are therefore essential to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of infection. To wear your contact lenses safely and comfortably, you should always:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses
• Follow the cleaning, disinfection and storage instructions provided by your eye care practitioner.
• Do not clean or store contact lenses in tap water. Use the recommended contact lens solution.
• Do not sleep in your lenses unless your practitioner has specifically advised that your lenses are suitable for overnight wear.
• Follow the recommended wearing schedule and replace your lenses as directed.
• Use fresh solutions to clean and store your reusable lenses.

4. Maintain your eyelid hygiene

Eyelids also play an important role in maintaining the tear film that lubricates the surface of your eyes and keeping your eyelids clean is very crucial to maintaining overall eye comfort. It can be particularly helpful if you experience crusting around your eyelashes in winter. To keep your eyelids clean and hygienic:

• Use eyelid wipes, designed to efficiently remove dust, makeup, crusts and other impurities.
• Include hot eye compresses in your eye care routine, as they will help open up the blocked oil glands
• Avoid using hard soaps and other cleaning products as they may agitate your eyes

5. Get your eyes checked regularly

Regular eye examinations remain an important part of maintaining good eye health, not just in winter but throughout the year. These eye tests allow an optometrist to assess your vision, check for certain eye conditions and advise you on managing symptoms such as dryness or irritation. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends an eye test every 2 years or more often if your optometrist or ophthalmic practitioner advises it. Consider booking an eye examination if you experience:

• Frequent dryness, irritation or discomfort.
• Persistent blurred vision.
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
• Noticeable changes in your eyesight.
• Difficulty seeing clearly with your current glasses.

By including these everyday eye care tips in your routine, you can look after your eyes during winter and keep them healthy and comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear sunglasses in winter?

Yes, sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection should be worn throughout the year to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays.