Winter survival guide: Essential tips for glasses and contact lens wearers
Winter can be a challenging season for those who wear glasses and contact lenses. As the mercury begins to drop and we rely more on central heating, numerous issues relating to both eye health and lens care arise. Here, we offer our top tips on how to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear throughout the winter months.
Combat dry eye
Many people - and contact lens wearers in particular - suffer from dry eye during the winter, leaving their eyes feeling gritty and sore. Humidity is often lower in cold weather, and coupled with the use of central heating which dries the air indoors, our eyes can lose moisture rapidly. Tears evaporate too quickly causing a loss of nourishment and protection.
To combat dry eye, ensure you drink plenty of water and use artificial tears to lubricate the eyes. You can also invest in a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in your home or office.
Prevent fogging
Fogging is a constant problem for glasses wearers when the weather turns cold. While it doesn’t last long, it can obscure your vision completely as you enter or exit a building. To deal with this, try popping your glasses inside your coat just before you go inside. This enables them to adjust more slowly to the temperature change and reduces the chance of fogging. Alternatively you can try an anti-fog spray or anti-fog wipes. These can be applied directly to the lens and protect your glasses from the effects of fogging.
Opt for contact lenses when exercising
If you typically wear glasses it may be worth investing in contact lenses for exercise during the winter. Not only does this remove any chance of your glasses fogging up, it also means they won’t come off during activity and get dirty or scratched.
You can speak to your optician about short-term wear for the winter months only and request a contact lens appointment to check your prescription. It’s important to note that this will not be the same as your glasses prescription, so professional advice is essential.
Shield your eyes
Many of us only reach for our sunglasses once spring arrives, but sunglasses can be invaluable in winter too. Our eyes still need UV protection when the sun’s rays are weaker; simply choose a lighter coloured lens with 100% UV protection from a reputable glasses shop. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can provide protection from the wind too, especially if you are cycling or engaging in winter sports.
Eat well
Eating plenty of foods that are rich in Vitamin A will support your eye health and help you to maintain normal vision through the winter. You can find it in foods such as eggs, cheese, yoghurt, salmon, spinach, mangoes, carrots and red peppers.
Optimise your eye health with The Eye Establishment
Here at The Eye Establishment, we are committed to helping you keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Our comprehensive eye tests check both the overall health of your eye and the precision of your sight, and our experts will provide prescription glasses lenses to fit the frames of your choice. Book an appointment today at our Kensington or Chelsea opticians.