Tips for better eye health in winters

Here are some tips to take care of dry eyes during winter.

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: March 5, 2016 8:53 pm

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Blurred vision, scratching, burning sensation and irritation in the eye – these are not minor irritants in your daily routine but might be the pointers to a condition called the dry-eye syndrome which plagues many people during an extreme winter. Also Read - Prevent cognitive decline: Go for routine eye scans if you have type 1 diabetes

According to doctors, even though a person’s entire body might be covered up as a protection against the chilly winter winds, there is one part that is always exposed: the eyes. Also Read - Best exercises to alleviate eye strain caused by too much screen time

The surface of the eye is covered with a thin layer of liquid known as the tear film, which is essential for its health. A dry-eye condition caused by cold winds evaporates the tears, which could partially affect vision and cause constant eye pain.

‘Occurrence of dry-eye syndrome is very common during the winter season because of the cold, dry outdoor air and dry indoor heat,’ Sanjay Dhawan, director of ophthalmology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS.

Dhawan said when there is insufficient lubrication in the eye, the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) becomes much less moist than normal.

He said this causes severe pain, discomfort and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, due to inadequate tear secretion.

It is a common problem faced by both men and women above 50.

‘Sometimes it becomes severe as this abnormality may result in disruption of the ocular (eye) surface, causing difficulty in vision,’ Dhawan said.

The other symptoms of the eye problem include a persistent watery discharge and irritation if one is using contact lenses.

‘If menopause occurs at an early age, then the chances of developing dry-eye syndrome during the winter gets increased even among middle-aged women,’ Dhawan said, adding that at an initial stage, it may seem like a minor irritation but can become potentially serious.

According to Kinshuk Biswas, opthalmologist at Gurgaon’s Columbia Asia Hospital, the condition could also be a result of constant use of a computer. (Read: What causes dry eyes and how you can prevent it)

‘Dry-eye syndrome is caused by the low humidity factor during winter which leads to evaporation of the lubricant in the eyes. Another contributing factor for this condition is the use of a computer and continuously looking at the screen for long,’ Biswas told IANS.

According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, approximately 3.2 million women and 1.7 million men over the age of 50 suffer from chronic dry eyes.

Tips to prevent dry eyes

Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some handy tips to protect your eyes from the harsh winter:

Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from cold wind and excess light.
Use artificial tears or tear substitutes at least four times a day. If you prefer to use is lesser or more number of times, you can.
If the condition becomes worse, visit a doctor who will prescribe you a lubricating ointment which you will have to use at bedtime.
Use a humidifier along with your heater, so that indoor air has enough moisture. To provide additional humidity to your eyes you wear special glasses that form a moisture chamber around the eye.
After a long day at work or if your eyes feel strained, place a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a couple minutes, to help relieve the symptoms and strain.
Add more Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements to your diet.
Keep the home environment humid — between 30 and 50 percent.
Drink lots of fluids, and stay hydrated.
Opt for green tea and chrysanthemum tea instead of your regualar chai. They are beneficial for eyes and prevent eye strain. (Read: 12 expert tips to deal with dry eyes)

With inputs from IANS/Sreeparna Chakraborty

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Published : January 15, 2014 2:47 pm | Updated:March 5, 2016 8:53 pm

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