Tips for taking care of your eyes this winter

Just like that… it’s winter. Making sure we have a warm winter jacket and boots, getting our snow tires put on, and ensuring we have a shovel ready for the first snow fall are all on our winter preparedness list. But, did you know that your eyes also need extra attention once winter arrives?

There are various things to think about when caring for your eyes during the colder months. Below are three misconceptions we’re clearing up so you can keep your eyes happy and healthy all winter long.

“I don’t need to wear sunglasses in the winter.”

Sunglasses should be worn anytime your eyes are exposed to UV rays, regardless of if it is summer or winter, sunny or cloudy.

Sunglasses are essential to protecting your eyes this winter. They protect your eyes from UV rays which are present all year round, and can lead to skin cancer around the eye. They also help you adapt to glare and low light, which improves your vision and provide general comfort for your eyes.

In addition, there are lens tint options to consider that have different benefits depending on the activity you are doing.

Read more about the benefits of each tint and which one is right for you.

“Dry eyes are just what happens when it gets colder.”

This is true but it doesn’t mean you have to live with dry eyes. As we age, are eyes are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome. In winter, reduced humidity outdoors and dry, warm air in our homes can make the issue even worse.

Some common symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Tingling, itching or burning
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Sensitivity to light

If you have dry eyes in the winter, there are a few things you can do to relieve the dryness. Broaden your knowledge about dry eyes and how to prevent them.

“I can’t wear contact lenses while doing winter sports.”

Each season brings its share of challenges for the comfort and the health of our eyes. With the Canadian winters known to be harsh, many people wonder if it is good to wear contact lenses despite the cold and the wind.

Contact lenses offer multiple advantages. Among other things, they are convenient to enjoy the outdoors fully and to practice many physical activities. Plus, they never get fogged up because your eye’s tear fluids keep the lenses moist at all times. They also offer a better field of vision, which means that they do not change the actual size of objects in any way, unlike glasses.

Learn more about how to get the most out of your contact lenses when practicing winter sports.

If you need additional information about caring for your eyes this winter, contact your eye care professional.

All blogs are courtesy of IRIS. IRIS is a trusted partner of the RTOERO Foundation. RTOERO members save on sunglasses, eyeglasses and more at IRIS.