Winter. Is. Here.
Well, in Australia at least! As the season changes, we layer our clothes, crank up the heaters, adjust our homes, lives and wardrobes to cater to the season. But, what about our eyes? Do they need any winter gear to get them through those frosty mornings and cool, crisp days?
We’re here to tell you – YES! Cold weather is an adjustment for the whole body to ease into, including your eyes. It isn’t so much a matter as prepping and creating an eye-care routine, but rather, making small modification and building some mindfulness about how your eyes cope with a dryer atmosphere (whether that’s out in the natural dry cold of winter, or time indoors in heated environments). Here are a few things to consider for your optical wellbeing this cold season…
Dry Heat
You’ve probably noticed that time spent in front of a heater (like at home or in your car) has the superpower to dry out your skin. Unlike natural heat from the sun or in cooler seasons, dry heat is moisture’s opposite. And in the same way your skin dries around this heat, so do your eyes, particularly so for contact lens wearers.
If you notice your eyes are especially dry with your contacts in, we recommend keeping rewetting drops on your person and using them as you feel you need (make sure to use drops made specifically for contacts). Another alternative to irritable contact lens wearing in winter may be to switch material – speak to your optometrist about alternative options.
Reflective UV
The sun may feel hotter in summer, but the frosty (or even snowy!) surfaces in winter mean that the sun’s rays are twice as dangerous. Exposure to Reflective UV can be extremely harmful for your eyes, which is why wearing UV blocking sunglass are a must in winter (and the rest of the year, too).
Winter Sport Protection
In some parts of Australia, you may be lucky enough to experience a white, snowy winter. If you’re taking the annual family holiday to the ski fields, it’s absolutely necessary to shield your eyes from debris, snow, and sun. A good way to cover your bases is to have a chat with your optometrist about the types of outdoor activities you’ll be participating in. They’ll be able to give you a good indication into the type of eye care you should pack with you.
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Zephyr Medical is a bulk-billed mobile optometry clinic, servicing the South-East Queensland and Northern NSW regions. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive services to benefit their eye health in the comfort of their home or workplace. Get in touch with us today to book an optometrist appointment that suits your schedule. Book a free appointment here.
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