Dry eyes are a condition in which the eyes are unable to produce enough tears and fails to provide the eyes with enough lubrication.
This condition can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, gritty sensation and discomfort . The winter season also impacts your eyes, much like your skin and other body parts.
It is no wonder that during the winter season, your eyes are drier. There are various reasons behind this. With the drop in temperature, dry eyes are also becoming very normal.
Experts say that “Although there are certain underlying systemic conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome or vitamin A deficiency that can lead to dry eyes in a small subset of individuals, some of the most common factors which cause dryness in otherwise healthy eyes include cold temperature, low humidity and windy weather.”
Tips to prevent dry eyes
- Using eye drops, artificial tears or eye ointments to keep the eyes constantly moisturized is very important. In order to choose the right option for you, it’s best to consult your doctor.
- Shield your eyes using UV-protected wraparound glasses or a visor hat whenever you are outdoors.
- Keep the indoor room temperature reasonably warm and not excessively hot when using heating systems such as heaters and blowers. Also, ensure that your face doesn’t directly get in the way of the heat from the appliance.
- To maintain the moisture in the room, use a humidifier indoors. It will help you avoid dry skin too.
- Apply warm compresses in case of extreme discomfort or irritation in the eye because of dryness. Warm compresses also help open up the clogged Meibomian glands responsible for secreting oil or meibum which prevents evaporative dry eye.
- Don’t neglect nutritional requirements such as vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids and consume food items that are rich in those nutrients like carrots, broccoli, flaxseeds, soybeans, fish etc.
- Avoid continuous use of screen-based gadgets. At the same time, try to blink more frequently.
- Keep your body hydrated all the time by regularly taking water and other fluids. A hydrated body would also keep eyes moisturized enough.
