Eye Care

Can Winter Hurt Your Eyes?

Chapped lips, dry skin and freezing temperatures are just some of the most common problems people face during winter. However, your eye doctor will also tell you that cold days can have an effect on your eyes as well. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to protect your eyes much like you cover up the rest of your body to shield against the cutting cold of a Virginia winter.

Burning sensations, sensitivity to light and irritation can be a result of exposing your eyes to the season’s weather. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep your eyes safe against these common eye problems. Follow these tips from our doctors at Vienna Eyecare Center to make sure your eyes do not develop problems resulting from the cold.

Sunglasses

Reflective polarized eyeglasses are essential during wintertime especially when there’s white snow all around you. The snow can reflect much of the sun’s harmful UV rays, which is why it’s very important to protect your eyes with sunglasses during this time of the year. Make it a habit to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days because UV rays are still present even if you don’t actually see the sun.

Goggles

Taking it a step further from sunglasses are protective winter goggles. Goggles keep your eyes shielded against the cold air which could dry out your eyes. They’re also effective against snow and ice which could cause some irritation. UV-reflective goggles are best to help protect you from both freezing temperatures and ultraviolet rays.

Humidifiers

While sunglasses and goggles are recommended by your optometrist to stay safe outdoors, it’s all about avoiding dry eye symptoms indoors. Invest in a humidifier to keep the air inside your home from drying out and causing problems on your skin and your eyes.

At Vienna Eyecare Center, we can help you care for your eyes any time of the year. Give us a call at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today. We serve patients in Vienna, Reston, McLean, and other neighboring areas in VA.

Dr. Richard Snively

Recent Posts

Can Dry Eyes Cause Lasting Damage?

Dry eyes are commonly dismissed as a mere discomfort. But, by understanding the underlying causes,…

3 days ago

How Often Do Seniors Need to Have Their Eyes Checked?

It's inevitable that once-sharp eyes will become blurred and marred with symptoms of eye problems…

7 days ago

Contact Lens Hygiene 101

Contact lenses afford many people the convenience of corrected vision without the constraint of eyeglasses.…

4 weeks ago

How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health

Smoking has well-documented effects on general health, including lung disease, heart disease, and an increased…

1 month ago

Managing Seasonal Eye Allergies: Tips From Optometrists

Seasonal eye allergies are a common ailment that many of us face, especially with the…

1 month ago

Are You Getting Too Much Blue Light?

The average American spends around seven hours in front of screens each day. Digital devices…

2 months ago