Many people understand the importance of sunglasses during summer to protect their eyes from the sun, but what about winter eye protection? Though the sun isn't as powerful during the colder months, the brisk air could make your eyes feel dry, itchy, or watery. You could also experience allergies or snow glare during this season. However, you can avoid many adverse eye issues and protect your vision by following these tips.

3 Ways to Protect Your Eyes During Winter

1. Wear Sunglasses

Though sunglasses are more prevalent during the summer, they are excellent year-round eye protection. Even on cloudy days, the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays can affect the eyes, leading to decreased vision, cataracts, and other damage. Sunlight reflecting off snow can make the light seem brighter and create a painful glare. However, you can minimize the sun's effect on your eyes by wearing UV-A or UV-B sunglasses anytime you're outdoors for more than a few minutes. 

2. Keep Your Eyes Moist

Indoor air often gets dry due to buildings running their furnaces to keep warm. Outdoors, the wind and low temperatures can also make things feel dry. The lack of external moisture can lead to dry, itchy, and uncomfortable eyes. The problems are worse for anyone with chronic dry eye syndrome because their eyes don't produce enough natural tears. 

Use eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable indoors and out. It's best to use drops without preservatives because you can use them frequently to increase your comfort. While indoors, use a humidifier to keep your home's humidity level to 30%-50%, which is the ideal indoor humidity level. 

3. Switch to Glasses From Contacts

If you wear contacts to correct your vision issues, consider switching to your prescription glasses for the winter. Dry, scratchy eyes can make contact lenses uncomfortable to wear. However, you can find relief and avoid additional issues by wearing your glasses. If you're concerned about wearing unfashionable eyewear, you can get stylish frames for your prescription lenses to look great while protecting your eyes. 

For quality sunglasses and other stylish eyewear in Lexington, KY, head to Pal Optical. For over six decades, this family-run eye clinic has employed well-trained eye doctors who use state-of-the-art equipment to perform eye exams and provide eye care advice. You can also find over 1,500 designer glasses frames and affordable prescription eyeglass lenses created in the facility's in-house lab. Schedule an appointment by calling (859) 266-3003, or learn about their services online.