Take care of your eyes this winter

Now that winter is officially here, the dry heat circulating in homes and offices can cause dryness and irritation to your eyes. In the winter, dry eyes can cause problems for some people. Eye injuries can also occur in the winter months just as much as the summer.

There are some easy ways to take care of your eyes during the cold winter months.

1. Keep your eyes moist. Heat circulating inside homes and cars can an increase in problems for people who suffer from irritation in their eyes. People who suffer from dry eye might find themselves especially uncomfortable. Artificial tears and avoiding environmental irritants can decrease dryness.
2. Don’t forget sunglasses. While most people don’t forget sunglasses on sunny summer days, not everyone remembers it’s just as important to wear eye protection in the winter. Sun exposure–regardless of season–may increase the risk of developing cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.
3. Wear ski goggles. When the snow hits, many people will be hitting the slopes for sledding or skiing. Not only are goggles necessary to keep debris out of your eyes, but they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The reflected light from snow and ice can lead to inflammation of the cornea and possibly other complications down the road.

People may also realize they have excessive tearing in the cold weather. Remember to use a clean cloth when wiping your eyes to reduce the spread of germs.