When the cold clicks, we buy warm clothes, apply protective creams to the face and hands. For many, the cold season also means a not-so-pleasant time – dry eye syndrome or inflammation. How to properly take care of your eyes when the temperature fluctuates?
Because the eyes are not on the body’s periphery and are protected by the eyelids, they need to be shallow to freeze. Saltwater freezes at much lower degrees than fresh, so the general body temperature and salty tears protect the eyes from frostbite. Nevertheless, other factors can pose a threat to eye health.
The Danger to the Eyes Lies Primarily at Home
According to Aistė Augytė, an ophthalmologist microsurgeon at the Lirema Eye Clinic, eye allergies are often identified with the warm season, when pollen is scattered in the air, or the wind carries dust is wrong to think. We rarely think that a whole bunch of allergens can be found at home.
“Spending more time indoors in winter provokes allergies caused by house dust mites, pets or cosmetics. Symptoms are characteristic only when the allergen is provoked, so it is not felt in all cases, but when the latter is present in the environment. Then intense tearing begins, eyes are red, eyelids may swell, itch, often accompanies runny nose and sneezing,” says doctor A. Augytė.
If you have had a similar allergy once, but you no longer feel the symptoms, it does not mean that you have recovered – your body is still ready to fight the allergens when you are exposed to them again.
Another thing that provokes eye irritation is the difference between outdoor and room temperatures. At low outdoor temperatures and indoor heating, the room air becomes dry. It also dries the eye’s surface. Eyes may become red, possible discomfort, foreign body sensation, blurred vision.
“If other factors contributing to dry eye are added – well-conditioned rooms, work in front of the computer, systemic diseases – dry eye becomes even more intense,” says the microsurgeon.
Cold Weather Provokes Viruses
Cold weather increases the incidence of viral illnesses, making it more likely to cause eye infections. Symptoms of eye inflammation include redness, increased sensitivity of the eyes, tearing, discharge, swollen eyelids and impaired vision. This condition can last from one to several weeks. It should be remembered that contact lenses must not be worn with red, inflamed eyes under any circumstances, and hygiene must be observed so that the contact lenses do not become a reservoir of micro-organisms causing severe eye inflammation.
Eye discomfort is caused by viruses, dry indoor air, and strong winds, which cause the eyes to lose their natural protection. The tear glands produce tears, but with age, due to the body’s condition or the use of drugs, their production slows down, or the quality of the tears deteriorates. Tears consist of three components – water, oil and mucus. Each of these ingredients nourishes and protects the surface of the eye. A layer of oil ensures that moisture does not evaporate, and a layer of mucus is needed to distribute tears evenly on the eye’s surface. Dry eye symptoms can be felt if the required humidity is no longer present, disappears, or is unevenly distributed through the cornea.
You Need to be Prepared for a Temperature Change
Once the inflammation of the eye has started, an ophthalmologist should be consulted and appropriate treatment given. According to the doctor, hand hygiene is paramount to prevent in advance, as viruses are usually transmitted to the eyes by contact.
“If one family member falls ill, it is necessary to use separate towels, wash their hands immediately after touching their eyes, and disinfect the door handles. Inflammation of the eyes often starts after colds and other diseases. Therefore it is important to strengthen the immunity system, especially the use of vitamin D,” says A. Augytė.
To prevent eyes from dry eye syndrome, it is recommended to humidify heated rooms, use moisturising eye drops when you feel symptoms, take breaks while working in front of the screens, and remember to keep blinking. Before going outside in cold winds, use artificial tears and wear sunglasses to reduce tear evaporation from the eye surface. It is vital to remember dark glasses when it is snowing or the sun is shining because the eyes receive a higher dose of UV rays. Excessive radiation can damage the cornea and fundus, cause changes and affect the further development of diseases. It is also advisable to consume more fluids while reducing coffee and alcohol so that the body has the resources to protect the eyes from sudden temperature changes.