The Spectator

During the festive period it is important to remember that protecting our eyes is important during the colder months.

Occasional dry eye symptoms due to weather changes aren’t usually too serious and can be solved at home, however, if your symptoms start to get worse when you are moving from different weather conditions you should use treatments, such as eye drops, and prevention methods to treat dry eyes. If your symptoms don’t improve it is recommended to visit an optician.

Wearing a pair of sunglasses will help protect you from harmful UV rays during the winter months just as much as they do during summer. With the possible addition of snow and ice on the group over the next few months, reflective surfaces that will bounce the harmful rays into your eyes, a pair of sunglasses will help protect you.

Over the festive period it's almost guaranteed that we'd be looking at our smart phones, televisions, and other electronic devices more than before so It's very important to take some time away from the screens as staring at them for too long can cause:

• Eyestrain
• Dry Eyes
• Headaches
• Blurry vision

So, the best thing to do is to take some time away from the screens and practice ways to protect your eyes. Following the 20/20/20 rule; resting your eyes every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds, this helps reduce fatigue and eyestrain. You blink less when you're focusing on a television or computer screen, so if you notice dry eyes or the beginning of a headache, it's best to stop and try and blink at a normal rate.

If you are having concerns to do with your eyes, if the weather is affecting your vision, or if you have any other concerns or queries, please get in contact with your local Eye Place practice.