A FEW WAYS THE WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS YOUR EYES
As the winter season quickly approaches, get ready to endure strong gusts of wind and stormy weather. During the colder months of the year, your body takes on environmental aggressors that can damage the skin, particularly around your eyes. You may remember to bundle up with thick sweaters, denim jeans, protective shoes, and beanies or gloves... But, it’s easy to overlook protective wear for your eyes. Let’s look at a few ways the winter weather impacts your eye health:
DRY EYES
The absolute worst feeling is blinking your eyes and realizing there is no moisture on your eyeballs. Dry eyelashes and crusty debris can ruin anyone’s day. What causes dry eyes during the winter? Dry indoor heat and cold outdoor air result in low humidity. Since these conditions suck out all the existing moisture in the room and in your eyes, it’s important to use a humidifier to restore the moisture. Simply add one to your bedroom or your work office and turn it on when your eyes are open.
It’s also important to stay hydrated and replenish your body with fluids in order to minimize dryness. Throw back a few cups of water, and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils to protect yourself from dry eye syndrome. These essential agents help support the proper drainage of your ocular fluids so your eyes are less likely to become inflamed during the cooler weather.
Some easy home remedies to practice include applying a warm compress to your eyes to assist with tear secretion. If you want to say goodbye to those itchy, dry eyes also invest in some artificial tears to supplement missing moisture.
VISION CHANGES:
There’s nothing fun about excessively tearing eyes due to cold and breezy winter weather. Watery eyes are extremely common and usually temporary. If your vision begins to change due to cold temperatures, it may be caused by your blood vessels constricting. This can cause blurriness and double vision to take over. When this happens, make sure to tell someone or take a seat to prevent injury. Also, find a warmer area to retreat to and your symptoms should pass!
RED OR PUFFY EYES:
If you’re dealing with red or puffy eyes, it’s crucial that you protect them from extreme cold and wind. Wearing wrap-around glasses or goggles will prevent the environmental aggressors from reaching your delicate eyes. Harsh weather conditions tend to lead to tenderness, redness, and overall inflammation around your eyes. This can range from swollen eyelids or eye sockets, to involuntary spasms.
A cold compress such as a washcloth or frozen tea bag can provide relief and reduce swelling. You can also use products like Eyetitude’s IllumineyeZ Rejuvenator to rebuild collagen and elasticity, tighten pores, and enhance blood circulation for protection against puffiness. Our rejuvenator is easy to use and gentle on all skin types. Are you ready to restore vitality? Grab yours today!