Did you know different seasons affect your eyes differently? Well, winters not only cause cold and cough but there are certain eye conditions that are prevalent in the cold season. People who live in extreme cold climatic conditions particularly those in snowy regions have to face many eye problems. If you know about these conditions in advance, you can prepare your eyes to not let these issues affect them. In this article, we have listed five common winter eye problems to watch out for as the temperature starts to dip.
1. Dry eyes
One of the very common eye problem that is seen throughout the year is dry eyes. As the name suggests, this condition makes your eyes dry which further causes other issues such as irritation, and itching. Since winters are drier than summers, they are likely to cause more dryness to your eyes as compared to warmer season. Besides, using heaters also fuels up the issue. If you live in areas where the air is extremely cold, windy and dry, you may also experience inflammation around the eyes. This is a warning sign of dry eye syndrome that you need to prevent to prevent complications. If you happen to experience this, try to keep your eyes moist by keeping a wet towel on them. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 can also help relieve the condition along with drinking water throughout the day that boosts hydration from within and keeps the eyes moist.
2. Changes in vision and snow blindness
Dr. Hemant Todkar, Senior Ophthalmologist at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, explains that winter can cause vision changes that are temporary but ignorance can trigger complications. This depends on the climate conditions during winters in your living area. Those who live in mountains or snowy regions suffer from constricted blood flow that can obstruct your vision and you may not be able to see clearly. Double vision, poor vision, light sensitivity, etc. are common changes that you are highly likely to experience. To get over this problem, you must stay in warmer areas and prevent going out in cold and snow. If you do not find relief in an hour, you must consult an eye specialist to aid the problem.
Also Read: Some Weird Causes Behind Low Vision Or Blurry Vision That You Might Not Be Knowing
3. Excessive tearing
As opposed to dry eyes, that we have mentioned before, some people experience excessive tearing due to cold climate! This might sound weird but it is true. Winters can escalate tear production that leads to excessive tearing as if the person is crying. This is actually a mechanism through which your eyes regulate moisture to protect themselves. This is a temporary thing and you might get relief in some minutes. Wearing glasses while going out can help manage this issue. Some people have seasonal allergy which makes them teary-eyed.
4. Light Sensitivity
This may sound absurd as winters are symbolized with dark skies and absent sunlight. There is less sunlight in winters as compared to summers but this doesn’t mean light sensitivity cannot be caused. People who have sensitive light and live in snowy regions can suffer from this. The reflection causes your eyes to become sensitive and trigger excessive blinking, twitching and discomfort. In such cases, it is better to wear sunglasses when you go out.
Also Read: Can Blue Light Glasses Prevent Digital Eye Strain? Know From Ophthalmologist
5. Sunburn
Believe it or not, your eyes can get sunburnt that too in winters! However, this may not happen with everyone due to different eye situations. If you have sensitive eyes, sunburn can happen to you. Sunlight and reflection from snow can cause sunburn. The common symptoms of this condition are painful eyes, irritation and light sensitivity. It is better to consult an ophthalmologist if the problem persist for long.
These are five common problems that people living in colder regions face during winters. It is important to note all the unusual signs and symptoms to aid the concern timely. Otherwise, it may worsen causing permanent damage to your eyes.
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