3 Tips for healthy eyes this winter
1. Protect Your Eyes from the Elements
The cold, wind, and snow can be particularly harsh on your eyes. In winter, the air is often drier, and indoor and car heating systems can make your discomfort worse. This is the perfect time to hydrate and protect the surface of your eyes, for example, by using preservative-free eye drops like I-DROP® viscoadaptive artificial tears.
When you're at home, using a hot or cold compress, such as the I-RELIEF™ therapeutic warm/cold eye mask, can relieve dry eye symptoms with heat, as well as headaches and tension with cold. You can also apply an ointment, like the I-DEFENCE® hydrating and lubricating ointment for dry eye, before bed for prolonged action throughout the night.
Finally, it is essential to continue wearing sunglasses, even during cold days, as UV rays can cause damage year-round, especially when they reflect off snow or ice.
Sunglasses
2. Maintain Good Hydration and Consider Supplements
With shorter days and less sunlight, it can sometimes be difficult to meet our vitamin D needs. To compensate, omega-3 supplements with added vitamin D3 are a great solution, like I-VU® OMEGA-3. Not only will such a supplement provide the many health benefits of vitamin D3, but omega-3s will also help support tear production. These fatty acids promote the overall health of your eyes, reducing discomfort caused by dry eye.
Also, remember to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Another simple tip: blink regularly. This stimulates your tear glands and helps keep your eyes well-lubricated.
3. Adopt a Rigorous Eye Hygiene Routine
The dry air of winter promotes the buildup of dust and impurities in your eyes. It is therefore crucial to maintain good eye hygiene, especially if you wear contact lenses.
To do this, it's recommended to use wipes and products specifically designed to clean gently without irritating your eye surface. I-LID ’N LASH® wipes, for example, are ideal for removing impurities while respecting the delicate nature of your eyes.
For more information and to discover the full range of eye care products available to relieve discomfort from dry eyes, such as I-MED Pharma products, contact the team at your Opto-Réseau clinic.
Bonus: Shine During the Holidays Without Compromising Your Eye Health
Cold season means holiday time and celebrations. It’s even more important not to neglect your eye hygiene during this period when more dramatic makeup is in style.
To minimize discomfort if you suffer from dry eye, we recommend opting for gentle eye cosmetics, and we remind you that it is essential to remove your makeup before going to bed.
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Whether or not you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, it's important to regularly visit an optometrist to ensure the health of your eyes. An annual or biennial check-up can help detect conditions that sometimes show no symptoms and offer solutions to improve your daily visual comfort.
See you soon?