Keeping Your Vision Healthy as the Weather Gets Colder

As the temperature goes down, the possibility of eye discomfort and infection goes up. To prepare for potential irritation, it is crucial that you know how to treat dry eyes and other problems that can come with cold and flu season. At Better Vision New Jersey, we want to give you the tools you need to avoid any eye discomfort before the temperature significantly drops, ensuring you have a great winter!

How Cold Weather Affects Your Eyes

Due to the strong winds and low humidity that come in the colder months of the year, the tear film—responsible for keeping your eyes moist—may be damaged.

This can lead to dry eye symptoms such as:

• Redness
• Itchiness, burning, and stinging
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Eye strain

By recognizing these signs, you can combat them early on, leading to a more comfortable winter season.

Colds and the Flu

Although catching a cold can happen in the summer and spring, it is most likely to occur when it’s colder, especially after crowded holiday parties or family gatherings. During a time when colds and flus are running rampant, the germs from those can also affect your eyes. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a highly contagious eye infection that stems from bacteria or allergies, and is also associated with colds and flus. The symptoms for this infection are very similar to dry eyes, which can also happen when sick with a cold, causing red eyes, itchiness, light sensitivity, and tearing up. The symptoms that set pink eye apart from dry eyes are crusting and discharge around the eye, as well as swelling of the eye.

How to Treat Dry Eyes in Winter

Some symptoms of dry eyes and pink eye can be treated from home, but if you experience increased irritation, contact Better Vision New Jersey for additional guidance.

Eye Drops or Artificial Tears

You may already have eye drops or artificial tears in your home, and those are just the thing to help with dry eyes or pink eye. These are also great solutions to use when your eyes are itchy or burning. Both are available at most pharmacies, and at Better Vision New Jersey we carry top brands recommended by our doctors.

Warm Compress

Soak a cloth in some warm water and place it over your eyes for 10 minutes at a time. This can help to relieve itchiness and clear out your eyes. Dry heat after being outside in the dry cold air could make symptoms worse, and to prevent your condition from worsening further, you should try this relaxing solution instead.

Humidifier 

Once you get inside after being out in the cold, a humidifier can help to combat some of the dryness that was caused by the low humidity. However, it is crucial that you keep your humidifier clean, otherwise it could grow mold and other bacteria.

Eye Coverings 

Whether you’re walking your dog, shoveling snow, or making snow angels, wearing eye protection like glasses or goggles when going outside can protect them against cold, harsh winds that lead to dryness.

Stay Hydrated

It’s recommended that you drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, as this will keep not only your eyes healthy and hydrated but also your skin and organs.

When to Contact Your Doctor

For pink eye, contact our office as soon as symptoms begin so we can give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment path. At Better Vision New Jersey, we offer advanced treatment for dry eyes, if dryness persists, consider reaching out to try our services.

Schedule an Eye Exam Today!

It’s important to get ahead of the cold weather this fall and winter by preparing for potential irritation that can affect your eye health. For symptoms of both dry eyes and pink eye, you can contact Better Vision New Jersey with any questions or to look into more long-term solutions. We’re happy to help make this fall and winter the best one yet!