CWith the arrival of winter habits change, but not always for the better eye health. Thanks to the lower intensity of the sun and the shorter days, we tend to lower our guard: fewer sunglasses, little attention to dry eyes, the effects of cold and wind are underestimated. Yet, according to data from Bavaria Clinic – one of the leading ophthalmology groups in Europe – six out of ten Italians only wear sunglasses in summerforgetting that even in the cold months UV rays can be harmful. The result? Drier, redder, tired eyes. It is a feeling of annoyance that is often dismissed as “seasonal”, when it actually deserves more care. The experts at Clinica Baviera explain why winter is a delicate season for eyesight and what simple strategies to adopt to protect it.
Cold and wind: silent enemies of the eyes
The eyes are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Cold and wind can cause burning, itching, excessive tearing and, in the most extreme cases, even small lesions of the ocular surface. The wind, in particular, accelerates the evaporation of tears and facilitates the entry of dust or sand.
The first rule is to protect yourself: wraparound glasseshats and scarves help create a barrier against cold air. What if a foreign body enters? Never rub your eyes: better to wash them with water or use artificial tears.
Hydration: a simple but fundamental gesture
In the cold, blood vessels narrow and the ocular surface tends to dry out more. Furthermore, the continuous transition from cold environments to heated rooms puts a strain on the tear film.
A little trick? Blink more oftenespecially when working on the computer. And don’t hesitate to use saline solution or artificial tears, even as a preventative measure. Also pay attention to the eye contour: a specific moisturizing cream helps protect a delicate area, easily subject to dryness and cracking.
Sunglasses even in winter
Less sun does not mean less UV rays. Indeed, in the mountains or on the snow, exposure can increase due to reflection. Sunglasses therefore remain indispensable, as long as they are quality. What to check? UV400 protectionCE mark and, better yet, polarized lenses to reduce glare. Be careful of imitations: dark lenses without a UV filter are more dangerous than useful, because they dilate the pupil, letting in more harmful radiation.
Dry air in the house? The eyes are affected
Heating lowers the humidity of the air, causing irritation and visual fatigue, especially for those who wear contact lenses or spend many hours in front of screens. The ideal is to maintain a humidity level between 40% and 60%. So go ahead for humidifiers, bowls of water near radiators and a good habit: airing rooms often.
At the table, for the well-being of your eyesight
Nutrition also plays a key role. In winter it is important to fill up vitamins A, C and E (carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, dried fruit) and omega-3useful for the natural lubrication of the eyes (blue fish, chia seeds).
Don’t forget about hydration: in the cold you drink less, but water, herbal teas and broths help maintain a good balance of the tear film. Zinc and antioxidants, present in legumes and lean meats, complete the “eye-friendly menu”.
Screens: more time indoors, more fatigue
In winter, the hours spent in front of computers, smartphones and TV increase. The consequence is the classic digital eye strain: dry, tired eyes, headache.
The 20-20-20 rule still applies: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. It is also useful to adjust the brightness of the screens, maintain a distance of at least 50 cm and, if necessary, use anti-blue light filters or glasses.
Sleep, ally of sight
Sleeping well is not just a question of energy: during rest the eyes regenerate and produce tears. Little sleep means red eyes, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light.
It is therefore better to respect regular hours, reduce the use of devices before sleeping and create a dark and relaxing environment in the bedroom.
When you need a specialist
If dryness, burning or redness persist, it is important not to underestimate the signs. An eye exam can rule out more serious problems and identify the right solution.
As underlined by the Doctor Sergio Ares, Ophthalmologist and Surgeon and Country Manager of Clinica Baviera Italia:
«In winter many people neglect their eye health, without considering the specific risks of this season. Adopting preventive measures is essential to protect the eyes from cold and wind and preserve visual well-being.” Because the view, even (and especially) in winter, deserves daily attention.