Year-Round Tips for Healthy Vision in Every Season

From winter’s dry air to summer’s intense UV rays, each season brings unique challenges for your eyes. Knowing how to tailor your eye care routine to the season you're in can help you maintain clear vision and comfort year-round.

Here are top tips from Columbia Opticians on how to protect your eyes as the seasons change.

Winter: Combatting Dry Eyes and Cold Weather Irritations

The cold, dry air during winter can strip moisture from your eyes, leaving them dry and irritated. Indoor heating systems also make winter particularly challenging for maintaining eye comfort.

Do this to keep your eyes protected from winter dry eyes:

• Use a Humidifier: This adds moisture to the air in your home or office, preventing dryness caused by heating systems. Be sure to place the humidifier in commonly used areas for consistent relief.
• Protect Your Eyes Outdoors: Cold winds can worsen dryness. Wearing wraparound glasses or goggles when outside offers a barrier against the elements.
• Hydrate and Lubricate: Even in winter, drinking plenty of water is key for supporting natural tear production. You can also visit our eye doctor for preservative-free lubricating eye drops that provide instant relief.

Spring: Managing Allergy-Prone Eyes

As plants bloom in spring, this causes a surge of allergens like pollen that can irritate your eyes. Itchy, red, and watery eyes are common complaints during allergy season.

Here's how to handle allergy eye care so you can enjoy the season:

• Use Allergy-Specific Eye Drops: Antihistamine drops are effective for reducing itching and redness. Our optometrist can also recommend stronger, prescription-grade options for persistent symptoms.
• Wear Sunglasses Outside: Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV rays while reducing exposure to airborne allergens like pollen.
• Limit Pollen Exposure: By closing windows during peak pollen hours and using air purifiers indoors, you'll be able to maintain a clean environment.
• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Even though it’s tempting, rubbing can worsen irritation. For relief from itchiness, apply a cool compress to soothe discomfort.

Summer: Protecting Against UV Rays

Summer is a time for outdoor fun, but it also exposes your eyes to potential UV damage. Excessive sun exposure can accelerate the development of cataracts and macular degeneration in the future. Additionally, swimming in chlorinated pools can lead to irritation.

To stay protected, follow these seasonal eye care tips:

• Invest in UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection or UV400 to shield your eyes from the sun. Polarized lenses are ideal for reducing glare during outdoor activities like boating or hiking
• Use Goggles for Swimming: Chlorine and other pool chemicals can irritate your eyes, while natural bodies of water may contain bacteria. Wearing goggles prevents irritation and protects against potential infections.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration caused by summer heat can lead to dry eyesand fatigue. Drinking plenty of water ensures your body and eyes stay hydrated.

Fall: Reducing Screen Time and Eye Strain

As the weather becomes cooler, people spend more time indoors. This means increased screen time, which can lead to digital eye strain, with symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and dryness.

To counteract this:

• Adjust Your Workspace Lighting: Ensure your screen brightness matches the lighting in your room.
• Blue Light Glasses: Wear blue light-blocking glasses or filters to reduce glare and eye fatigue.
• Use Artificial Tears: Visit our eye clinic for lubricating drops that help alleviate dryness caused by prolonged screen exposure.

Get Tailored Eye Care at Columbia Opticians

No matter the season, some habits are essential for protecting your vision throughout the year. This includes scheduling regular eye exams to enable early detection and treatment of vision problems.

Stay ahead of the seasons by requesting an appointment or visiting us for personalized guidance in Manhattan.