We’ll be honest- dry eyes are quite common in the winter due to the colder temperatures. Good news is, we’re here to give you some tips!

Preventing Dry Eyes in Cold Temperatures

Reducing the use of heaters will make a huge difference! Heaters create an environment that can easily lead to dry eyes.
Because of this, it is also suggested to avoid the use of hair dryers, especially those that blow straight into your eyes. Instead, opt for air drying your hair!

Treating Dry Eyes

Artificial tears, or eye drops, are a great place to start. Eye drops are specially designed to restore your eyes natural moisture. Keep in mind, though, that if you wear contacts, you will need to purchase a contact-friendly option.
Eye ointments are thicker than eye drops, meaning they may be a better option for you! The ointment is applied to the lower lash line prior to going to bed. That is important to remember as it can blur your vision. You can purchase some over-the-counter, or speak to the doctor first.
Indoor humidifiers and warm compresses are both other ways to battle dry eyes. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, which is a great alternative to reducing the use of heaters. Warm compresses, like a wet washcloth, will help soothe and rest your eyes as well.

 

Dry Eyes in Winter

All contact lenses are medical devices that are regulated by the U.S. government. By law, decorative contact lenses, whether they correct vision or not, require a prescription and proper fitting from an eye doctor. Any type of contact lens that can be purchased without a prescription is being sold illegally—and can pose serious risks to sight and eye health. Do not purchase decorative contact lenses from costume shops, beauty salons, drug stores, flea markets, or anywhere that doesn’t require a prescription. You can buy contact lenses from eye doctors’ offices, online, or by mail order but only with a valid prescription. You should continue care as directed by your eye doctor with any type of contact lens purchased.

For all types of contact lenses, not wearing and caring for them properly raises the chances of serious eye infections. Here’s a few tips to help you:

• Never share contact lenses with others.
• Rub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution—never water or saliva—to clean them each time you remove them. Even if worn occasionally, contact lenses must be disinfected and stored in new solution at least every 7 days.
• Never store your contact lenses in water.
• Replace your contact lenses as often as recommended by your eye doctor.
• Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months.
• Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case—never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.

Don’t let an eye infection be the scariest part of your Halloween. Using decorative lenses without a valid prescription can cause serious harm to your eyes—haunting you long after October 31. You can safely buy contact lenses from eye doctors’ offices, online, or by mail order with a valid prescription. Do not purchase decorative contact lenses from costume shops, online stores, beauty salons, drug stores, flea markets, or anywhere that doesn’t require a prescription. When decorative contact lenses are sold without a prescription, proper fitting, and education from an eye doctor, there may be a higher chance of contact lens-related eye problems. Decorative lenses purchased without a prescription may not fit properly, leaving the eye more susceptible to scratches on the outer layer of the eye, or getting an ulcer (an open sore) on the cornea- the clear covering over the front of the eye. The result of a scratch or sore can be scarring, infection, and permanent vision reduction or loss.

Educate yourself and others about the dangers (including eye sores and vision loss) of using decorative contact lenses without a prescription. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween and practice healthy contact lens wear and care.

Decorative Contact Lenses
Keep Your Eyes Safe on Halloween

There’s a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision.

Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam

Here is a few tips to keep your eye health in adults over 65.

Low Vision Doesn’t Have to Mean Low Ability

The term low vision describes vision loss that makes daily tasks difficult. It’s important to know that normal aging of the eye does not lead to low vision; it is a result of eye disease, injury or both.

Low vision symptoms include loss of central and/or peripheral (side) vision, blurred or hazy vision or night blindness. A person may have trouble recognizing faces, reading, driving and shopping. If you experience any of these problems, it is important to see your ophthalmologist. They will check for and treat any underlying conditions and recommend low vision resources, rehabilitation, aids and devices to help with reading and other daily tasks.

Thankfully, technology and training are helping people adjust to life with low vision. Today’s low vision devices, magnifiers, computer tools, games, resources and tactics can help make living with low vision successful and enjoyable.

Preventing Eye Injuries at Home Can Save Your Sight

Did you know about half of all eye injuries happen in or around the home, most often during improvement projects? The good news: nearly all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear. Every household should keep at least one pair of certified safety glasses on hand.

As we age, changes in vision and balance increase our risk of falling at home. Here are tips to prevent fall injuries to your body and eyes:

• Make sure that rugs and shower/bath/tub mats are slip-proof.
• Avoid small rugs that can be a trip hazard.
• Secure stair railings so that they are not loose.
• Cushion sharp corners and edges of furnishings and home fixtures.
• Increase lighting in the home to help you see better.

Nourish your Eyes With Exercise

Our eyes need good blood circulation and oxygen intake, which regular exercise provides. Exercise also helps keep our weight in the normal range, reducing the risk of sight-stealing diabetes.

Gentler exercises, including walking, yoga, tai chi, or stretching and breathing can be effective ways to keep healthy. Remember to practice sun safety tips and use protective eyewear when enjoying sports and recreation.

Sleep Well for Healthy Eyes

As we sleep, our eyes enjoy continuous lubrication. Also during sleep, the eyes clear out irritants such as dust, allergens, or smoke that may have accumulated during the day.

Research suggests that light-sensitive cells in the eye are important for regulating our wake-sleep cycles. This becomes even more important as we age, when more people have problems with insomnia. While it’s important to protect our eyes from over-exposure to UV light, our eyes do need exposure to some natural light every day to help maintain normal sleep-wake cycles.

Women Are More Likely to Have Certain Eye Diseases

Women are more likely than men to have glaucoma, and are also more likely to suffer from vision loss or blindness from glaucoma. Cataract is somewhat more common in women, as well.

With their slightly higher risk for eye disease, women should be sure to follow the Academy’s eye screening guidelines and follow through with their ophthalmologist’s appointment schedules and treatment plans.

• Tips for Eye Health in Adults Over 65, Kierstan Boyd. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/seniors-eye-health-tips. August 14, 2020.