DON'T underestimate the damage colder weather, central heating, staring at tablets and screens and too much alcohol can do to your eyes.
That’s the message from Taunton optometrist and chairman of the Somerset Local Optical Committee Sarah Farrant, who warns they could all cause dry, red and irritated eyes.
And that can lead to more serious eye health problems if ignored.
With this in mind and Christmas just around the corner, Mrs Farrant has put together some advice on watery eyes – and how we could be allergic to winter.
That’s the message from Taunton optometrist and chairman of the Somerset Local Optical Committee Sarah Farrant, who warns they could all cause dry, red and irritated eyes. And that can lead to more serious eye health problems if ignored.
With this in mind and Christmas just around the corner, Mrs Farrant has put together some advice on watery eyes – and how we could be allergic to winter.
She said:
“While we often think about wrapping up warm to protect our skin in the chilly winter months, we forget that winter can take its toll on our eye health too. “Dry eye is a common condition during winter, causing tired, dry and irritated eyes, and many suffer with symptoms without realising there is a solution. “Luckily there are things we can do to make sure we stay bright-eyed this season.” Overindulging with alcohol over the festive season can cause dehydration, leading to red, puffy eyes – Mrs Farrant recommends drinking plenty of water before bed to avoid ‘hangover eyes’ and resting a warm flannel over your eyes for ten minutes.”
She said:
“The wind and cold weather can have a drying effect on our eyes, leaving them feeling gritty and sore. “Sometimes the wind can be so drying that our eyes produce watery tears which just run off our eyes, rather than hydrating them.”
To prevent this and to treat watery and uncomfortable dry eyes, she recommends using a preservative-free eye drop, ensuring eyes stay lubricated for longer.
When it comes to make-up, Mrs Farrant said:
“Nothing quite says Christmas like glitter, but shimmery eye shadows are some of the worst offenders for irritating our eyes and the delicate skin around it. “Using hypo-allergenic and ophthalmologist-tested products can help, as well as cream eye shadows instead of powders. “Using a specialised wipe to remove eye makeup is also key to preventing irritation.”