Winter Eye Care

Looking after your eye health is just as important as looking after your body. This starts with keeping up to date with your eye examinations. A regular eye exam not only allows us to check your vision and ensure your glasses and contact lens prescriptions are up to date, but also assess the health of your eyes and monitor any eye conditions.

Taking care of your eyes does not end at your eye examination as there are several things you can do at home to keep your eyes healthy this winter.

The combination of colder weather and central heating can leave your eyes feeling dry and sore. This is due to your eyes becoming dehydrated by the cold winds and warmer temperatures indoors, and your tear production being reduced. There are two ways you can help combat your dry eyes at home. Using lubricating eye drops will help add moisture back into your eyes, leaving them feeling refreshed and rehydrated. If you use contact lenses it is best to check with your optometrist which eye drops are suitable for use with contacts. Another method of combatting dry eyes is by using a warming eye bag. When placed over the eyes, the eye bag stimulates tear production helping to naturally rehydrate the eyes.

Although summer is behind us and we may not have seen many sunny days lately, it is important to remember to protect your eyes from UV. UV radiation is always present, even on cloudy days. Whilst our eyes absorb most of the UVA and UVB rays, over exposure can contribute to degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. The best method of protection from UV is with a pair of sunglasses that carry the CE mark or meet the British Standard for a safe level of protection from UV. Sunglasses are also incredibly useful to have at this time of year. As the sun is lower in the sky it can often be dazzling and cause distraction when driving. Sunglasses will help to reduce the glare from the sun and any reflections from the road if it is wet and snowy.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet will contribute to your overall eye health. There are several vitamins and nutrients in fruit and vegetables that help to keep your eyes healthy. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important carotenoids that are powerful antioxidants known for protecting your eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina and protect your eyes from harmful free radicals and are thought to help with reducing the progression of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Other beneficial foods to incorporate into your diet are oily fish which are high in omega 3, orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, and citrus fruits and berries.

t is important to look after your eyes in between visits to the opticians to maintain your eye health. If you haven't had an eye examination in the last 2 years or have missed it due to the pandemic, it is important that you make an appointment.

For more information regarding your vision, dry eyes or sunglasses contact your local MKO today.