By:-- Dr Soham Basak, Consultant, Cornea Department, Disha Eye Hospitals
Most of us tend to take extra care of the eyes during summer months, completely ignoring the winters. It is extremely important for you to be aware that winters leave our eyes more vulnerable than the summers. During winters, we tend to spend more time outdoors, exposing our eyes to more problems. Children and outdoor workers are at a greater risk as they tend to spend longer hours outdoors.
During the month of winter –
• Low humidity and exposure to cold winds may aggravate dry eye symptoms. It is better to use sunglasses or goggles outdoors. Smog in polluted cities can also cause eye irritation. Wash your eyes after any outdoor visit and apply lubricating eye drops for comfort.
• There is a rise in pollen and allergens in the air during the autumn–winter and winter–spring transition. These particles stay longer due to fog or smog, leading to increased allergy symptoms such as watering, itching, and redness of the eyes. Children and young adults are especially affected. Lubricant and anti-allergy eye drops may be used as required. For severe symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist.
• Winter months are also harvest months for rice. Farmers often sustain eye injuries while working in fields or during the de-husking process. Using simple plastic protective glasses is the best preventive measure. In case of injury, do NOT apply over-the-counter medicines or indigenous eye drops. Consult a local ophthalmologist immediately. We observe a significant increase in corneal ulcers during this period—often worsened by self-medication. Corneal ulcers are a serious condition and can lead to blindness even with the best treatment. Unfortunately, many farmers neglect eye protection and end up with irreversible vision loss.