Want to keep your eyes healthy year-round? It’s important to recognize that eye care can change with the seasons.
While the temperatures in San Antonio don’t typically plunge, the cooler weather and dry air can still take a toll on your eyes. However, taking care of your eyes this winter doesn’t have to be difficult.
Keep reading to learn 7 useful eye care tips to try this winter in San Antonio.
1. Be Active
Staying active year-round is crucial for both your overall health and eye health. Regular exercise reduces the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, which can affect your vision.
In the heat of summer, outdoor activity can be challenging. But during the winter months, the cooler weather makes it easier to get outside and move.
Staying active doesn’t need to mean intense workouts. A simple walk a few times a week can significantly benefit your health and eyes.
2. Hydrate
You may not feel as thirsty in the winter as you do when it’s hot out, but staying hydrated is just as important. Proper hydration is key not only for your health but also for maintaining tear quality.
When your body isn’t hydrated enough, your tears can become less effective, leading to dry eye. Dry eye can be uncomfortable and may result in more severe eye problems if left untreated.
Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages to keep your eyes hydrated.
3. Protect Your Eyes Outside
Although cooler weather is great for outdoor activities, the air can become drier. Dry air can cause or worsen dry eyes if you’re not careful.
To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses when outside. UV rays can harm your eyes, even during overcast days or in the winter.
If your eyes feel irritated after being outside, take a break indoors and apply a wet compress. This can restore moisture and soothe your eyes.
If dry eye symptoms persist, consult your eye doctor at South Texas Eye Institute for treatment options.
4. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritious diet is vital for your overall health and eye health. High cholesterol and poor nutrition increase the risk of age-related eye conditions like cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Focus on eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole foods. Avoid refined sugars and processed foods, but always consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes.
Winter is a great time to focus on foods that promote tear health, as many patients tend to experience drier eyes in cooler weather. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, seeds, and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for eye health.
You can also take fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil if you’re vegetarian or vegan, but whole foods are always the best source of nutrients.
5. Be Careful with Screen Time
During the winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors. It’s easy to fall into the habit of binge-watching shows on television or spending hours on your phone.
Excessive screen time can strain your eyes, leading to fatigue, headaches, and dry eyes. Reduce screen time when possible, and adjust how you use devices, like wearing blue light-filtering glasses or lowering screen brightness.
Following the 20-20-20 rule can also help. This rule states that for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, you should take a 20-second break to focus on something 20 feet away.
This simple habit helps your eyes refocus and encourages blinking, which reduces dryness and eye strain.
6. Keep Your Home From Getting Too Dry
When the weather turns cold, turning on the heat is a must. However, heating can dry out the air in your home, which may also dry your eyes.
To prevent this, try to keep your thermostat low and use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air. Be mindful not to sit or sleep too close to an air vent, as direct airflow can dry out both your skin and eyes.
Maintaining a comfortable, humid environment will help protect your eyes from the drying effects of winter air.
7. Don’t Forget Your Yearly Eye Exam
As the new year approaches, it’s a perfect time to schedule your annual eye exam. If you wear glasses or contacts, are over 55, or are at increased risk for eye health problems, seeing your eye doctor once a year is essential.
Talk to your eye doctor about your eye health and your risk for age-related eye conditions like cataracts. They’ll be able to assess your risk based on your medical history and family medical history and recommend how often you need eye exams.
Through comprehensive eye exams, your eye doctor can catch potential issues early, ensuring more effective treatment. Regular exams are one of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy long-term, especially for older adults who are more at risk for age-related eye conditions.
If you experience any changes in vision or persistent discomfort between exams, don’t wait to make an appointment. Early intervention is key to protecting your eye health.
Ready to take charge of your eye health this winter? Schedule an appointment at South Texas Eye Institute in San Antonio, TX, today!
