Winter sun’s not wimpy
Don’t be fooled: Even if it’s freezing, you still need to wear your sunglasses. Though the sun may feel less intense than during the summer, in the winter months, the sun sits lower in the sky and at a different angle, so you may actually be exposed to MORE ultraviolet light and glare. The risk can be just as significant on gray, overcast days as on clear, sunny ones.
Snow reflects ultraviolet rays
Skiers, snowboarders, and other winter-sports lovers should pay particular attention to their eyes, as snow reflects more ultraviolet radiation than any other surface. “People forget the sun is just as bright glinting off snow as it is off the ocean and beach,” says ophthalmologist Anne R. Sumers, M.D. In addition, the higher you are above sea level, the less radiation is filtered. Because of snow’s reflective nature, up to 85 percent of the sun’s UV rays may be reflected upward. Ultraviolet light can contribute to cataract formation and retina problems later in life.
Don’t fry your eyeballs
In fact, the glare of the winter sun is so powerful, it can actually burn your eyes. “Short-term exposure can literally sunburn your eyeballs, inflaming the corneas and injuring the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the white part of the eye,” notes ophthalmologist Carl May, M.D. “Long-term, repeated exposure without protection can cause cancer of the eyelids, cataracts, or macular degeneration.”
Goggles are good
The best way to protect your sight is to wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of all UV light – or better yet, ski goggles. Ski goggles are great for many types of outdoor activities since they not only block the sunlight, but also prevent debris and snow from blowing into the eyes.
Appropriate protection should also be worn when shoveling snow, putting up or taking down holiday decorations, or running errands – basically, any activity that takes you outdoors.
Harsh winds, dry eyes
The sun is not the only risk to our eyes during the winter. Cool air can dry the mucous membrane lining of the nose and eyes. “Winter’s harsh weather can make it the furthest thing from a wonderland when your eyes are consistently dry and irritated,” says Dr. Craig Wax. Eye drops can help relieve the stinging, itchiness, and redness caused by dry air. Another way to combat old man winter is to bundle up. Corneal specialist Marguerite McDonald suggests wearing a brimmed hat, wraparound sunglasses, and a hooded jacket or coat. “This will help block the swirling, cold wind from the eyes and prevent the tear film covering the eyes from evaporating.”
Indoor irritants
Dry eyes can be a problem indoors as well. Heat used during the winter months, especially forced air heating, tends to deplete the air of moisture, irritating eyes. Discomfort can quickly become damaging when you rub your aching eyes so vigorously that you scratch them. Again, eye drops such as artificial tears are easily purchased at your local drug store, and using them a few times a day often solves the problem. Placing humidifiers throughout the house is another way to find relief.
Whatever the weather, good eye health is always in season, so protect and rebuild your vision, and we’ll see you in 2013!
No comments:
Post a Comment