For some, winter months are often a welcome change to the long hot summers experienced in Australia, however, the drops in temperature can lead to some discomfort for your eyes.
Specsavers Optometrist Michael Angerame breaks down the changes you may experience with your eyes during the cooler months and provides tips and tricks to keep your eyes at their best during the change in season.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eyes are commonly experienced in the winter months as cold temperatures and windy conditions, combined with air conditioning and heating indoors, can lead to more tear evaporation which can cause discomfort.
Dry eye can be attributed to various factors, but the predominant causes are inadequate production of tears, resulting in insufficient moisture in the eyes, and the production of low-quality tears. The cold, often dry air that is produced in winter means your eyes can struggle.
Many things can cause insufficient tear production in the eyes, such as aging, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women may also experience dry eye due to hormonal changes from oral contraceptives, pregnancy, or menopause. Environmental factors, such as living in dry or windy climates or staring at electronic screens for prolonged periods without blinking, can also contribute to dry eye.
Tears have three layers – an outer oily layer, a middle watery layer, and an inner mucus layer – which work together to effectively lubricate the eyes. Deficiencies in any of these layers can result in poor quality tears and inadequate lubrication. For instance, insufficient oil can cause the watery layer to evaporate too quickly, insufficient water can lead to inadequate lubrication, and a thin mucus layer can cause tears to spread unevenly.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- Feelings of dryness, grittiness, or soreness
- Red eyes
- Eyelids that stick together when you wake up
- Temporarily blurred vision, which usually improves when you blink
How is dry eye treated?
Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help with dry eye. Your Optometrist will perform a dry eye assessment as part of a comprehensive eye exam. They may recommend eye drops to lubricate your eyes and manage your symptoms and any inflammation present. If dry eye is caused by an underlying condition, treating this condition will usually help relieve the symptoms.
Conjunctivitis
Winter can also mean colds and illness, which can have side effects – one of them being viral conjunctivitis. Adults can be prone to viral conjunctivitis if they have come into contact with someone who has a cold, or who has been coughing or sneezing, as it is very contagious.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
- Pink eyes, bloodshot or puffy appearance
- A burning or gritty sensation in the eye
- Itchiness
- Sticky or crusty eyelashes – you may feel like your eyes are stuck together when you wake up
What many people may not realise is that eye problems like conjunctivitis, inflamed eyes and gritty eyes can be treated by Optometrists who are therapeutically qualified. Optometrists can prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and antiviral eye drops where necessary, to assist with eye problems.
I always recommend speaking to your local Optometrist if you need advice or have any eye health queries. Your Optometrist will be able to provide an expert opinion and refer you for further testing if it is required. It is advisable to have your eyes checked every two years to ensure your eye health is monitored and that your Optometrist can pick up on any eye health conditions immediately.
Guest post by Specsavers Optometrist, Michael Angerame.