Photo Credit: Ron Lach via www.pexels.com
Winter is officially here, and whether you’re a new or an experienced contact lens wearers there are few things you should be aware of, as you could find that your eyes feel a little dryer this time of year, or that you need to switch to your glasses more often.
Your eyes may feel a little dryer in these colder months
If you wear contact lenses a lot, then you may struggle with dry eye syndrome this time of year. Don’t worry though, it’s a really common eye problem – particularly for contact lens wearers – and there are lots of things you can do to help alleviate the problem.
The usual symptoms of dry eye syndrome can include:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Sticky discharge from the eye
- Dry, gritty eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Redness in the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Heavy, tired eyes
- Eyes that are sensitive to light
What often causes this issue is a combination of the cold and wintery weather outside, with central heating and cosy fires inside. Both of these can reduce the natural moisture in your eyes making them feel dry, and so you may want to give them a little bit of extra TLC!
Things that can help include:
- Using eye drops or artificial tears
- Staying hydrated
- Taking a break from wearing contact lenses and wearing your glasses instead
- Applying a warm compress to closed eyelids for a few minutes a day
- Avoiding sitting close to heat sources, like fires or fan heaters
- Getting enough sleep to give your eyes a chance to rest and heal
- Avoiding dusty, windy or smoky environments
It’s also been suggested that spending long periods of time in front of a computer can cause dry eyes too, and so limiting screen time could also help.
If the symptoms don’t improve, then experts recommend that you speak to your optician, and they’ll help you find a solution. They may suggest some supplements or switching to a more hydrating contact lens.
Don’t worry, your lenses won’t freeze!
Many new contact lens wearers worry that as the temperature drops, their lenses could freeze in their eyes. Don’t worry though, they will be fine, even in conditions as cold as -60°C! Lots of different experiments have been carried out to test this, and the materials contact lenses are made from continues to improve too.
You need sunglasses in the winter too
Did you know that even if it’s a grey and overcast day, harmful UV rays can still damage your eyes? They can actually cause as much harm as they might on a hot summer’s day! Of course, we want to avoid this from happening as it can lead to photokeratitis, which is when the top layer of your cornea gets damaged and you can experience pain and discomfort, sweeling, light sensitivity, headaches, blurring and even temporary loss of vision.
Wear your glasses if you’ve got a cold
If you’re under the weather with a cold or flu then you may want to avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days, especially if your eyes are puffy or red. You could accidentally fall asleep with your lenses in which is to be avoided, or you could accidentally transfer the infection to your eyes when putting your contacts in or taking them out.
Glasses can of course be a bit inconvenient this time of year as they steam up, but you can buy anti fog or water repellent wipes or spray which can really help.