Orland Park -Winter Eye Dangers

Rosin Eyecare knows that while winter is full of fun activities like snowball fights, skiing, and sleigh rides, it can also pose dangers to your eyes.  We want you to stay safe this winter, so that by the time the weather warms up, your eyes are healthy and ready to see the world blossom back into color!

Here are 5 winter eye dangers and tips from your Orland Park eye doctor to help!

Winter Eye Danger #1: Snow Glare

Even though we don’t always worry about the sun’s UV rays in the dead of winter, they are just as powerful as in the summer, and in some cases, more dangerous.  This is because the UV sunlight bounces off snow and ice, resulting in double exposure.  Snow glare is particularly harmful to those people with sensitive eyes, because the snow and ice create more reflective surfaces that cause blinking and discomfort.

Some people even develop light sensitivity in winter due to what is known as “snow blindness.” This often occurs simultaneously with eye sunburn.  Just as your skin suffers redness and blisters from the effect of too much UV sunlight, your eyes also experience this damage.  You will know if you have eye sunburn if you experience itchiness or pain.  UV radiation is especially strong at high altitudes, so protecting your eyes on the ski slopes is crucial.

How Your Orland Park Eye Doctor Can Help:

Sunglasses are just as important in the winter as in the summer.  Ensure that your sunglasses are 100% UV blocking by checking that they are labeled UV 400, which means they block all light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.  All sunglasses at Rosin Eyecare Orland Park come with a UV light protection guarantee.  If you have symptoms of an eye sunburn, you should come see our Orland Park optometrist for a thorough eye exam and to review treatment options.

Winter Eye Danger #2: Dryness

During the winter, you are in danger of dry eyes from two main sources: cold outdoor air and heated indoor air. Both have less moisture in them than other environments, and cold winter winds often exacerbate the problem. Your eyes simply can’t produce enough tears to remain comfortable in these conditions.

How Your Orland Park Eye Doctor Can Help:

You can minimize suffering from dry eyes this winter by keeping yourself well hydrated, running a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside, and increasing your intake of omega-3 fish oil to stimulate tear production. When you are outside, don’t forget to protect your eyes with glasses or goggles, particularly in windy weather. Finally, if you are experiencing redness or any other irritating symptoms of dry eyes, visit your Orland Park optometrist for treatment options to alleviate your discomfort.

Winter Eye Danger #3: Excess Tearing

Sometimes, the winter eye danger is the exact opposite of dry eyes: excess tearing. This can occur because of cold air, harsh wind, or seasonal allergies. To know the exact cause of your excess tears, take note of when you experience symptoms such as redness and watery eyes. Are you outdoors or indoors? Is a specific allergen present? When you know the direct cause, you will be able to protect your eyes more easily.

How Your Orland Park Eye Doctor Can Help:

Make sure you are protecting your eyes with sunglasses or goggles whenever you are outside. If the problem persists even with eye protection, be sure to schedule an appointment with your Orland Park optometrist.

Winter Eye Danger #4: Vision Changes

Some people experience vision changes in the winter due to extremely low temperatures. The cold causes the blood vessels in and around the eyes to constrict, which can cause blurriness and double vision. You should be especially wary of vision changes when you stay outside for long periods of time and when the temperature dips below freezing.

How Your Orland Park Eye Doctor Can Help:

If you do experience these sudden vision changes, immediately move to a warm area. Your vision should return to normal within half an hour. However, if it doesn’t, then you need to see an optometrist. Your Orland Park optometrist can use medicated eye drops to help the blood vessels in your eye return to their normal size.

Winter Eye Danger #5: Digital Eye Strain

Digital Eye Strain or computer vision syndrome is when you spend too much time in front of a digital device such as a computer, phone, TV, or tablet.  The symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.  Not to mention, excessive exposure to harmful blue light has been linked to serious health problems and a disrupted sleep cycle.  While digital eye strain is a year-round problem, it often worsens in the winter when people spend more time indoors.

How Your Orland Park Eye Doctor Can Help:

Here are some tips to follow when using digital devices for a prolonged amount of time to reduce the risk of digital eye strain and protect your eyes from the effects of harmful blue light:

• Use the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away from you (away from the screen!).
• Always be at least an arm’s distance away from your screen, and don’t hesitate to increase the text size on digital devices so you can be further away.
• Be sure to blink often to help prevent dry eye and take frequent breaks.
• Remember to schedule your annual eye exam to ensure your prescription is up to date and that your eyes remain healthy.

You can also get special blue light filters for your glasses to reduce the amount of harmful blue light that reaches your eyes. Our Orland Park eyeglasses can be coated with the exclusive Rosin Smart Blue Filter to give you the absolute best in blue light protection.

Stop by for a visit with Rosin Eyecare’s Orland Park eye doctor to ensure you have the protection you need for a fun and safe winter.