When the temperature is up, the sun is shining, and you’re spending lots of time outside, it’s easy to remember eye health. But as the winter months and darkness set in, your eyes can take a back seat.
But they shouldn’t. The winter months can pose some unique risks to eye health, and knowing how to combat them may help improve and protect vision.
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Here are some things to think about as you settle in for the winter season.
Limit screen time: Cold weather can push people indoors and in front of the television, tablet, or other screens. However, too much exposure to bright blue lights can lead to eye strain and potentially disrupt melatonin production, a key factor in sound sleep.
You can limit the potential influences of bright screens by wearing blue-light-blocking glasses or dedicating additional time to non-screen-related activities.
Protect against glare: Snow and wet roads, both common in the winter, can create a lot of glare that can strain eyes and make it hard to see. Remember to keep a pair of sunglasses close by. If you can, spend a little more on polarized lenses to help.
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Repel reflection: Sunglasses remain a daily essential in the winter, especially if you’re outdoors or driving. Even on cloudy days, UV rays bounce off the snow, which can cause severe damage to unprotected eyes. Pick up a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Stay hydrated: Winter is a dry season, and although you might not need as much water as in the summer, it’s still a wise idea to sip regularly throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, which can contribute to eye strain or vision problems. Adequate hydration means you’re able to produce tears to lubricate, remove foreign matter, and nourish the eyes.
Taking care of your eyes during the winter can make the season more enjoyable and have potentially long-term effects on vision.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
