7 essential winter eye care tips

Thursday, 16 December 2021 by Vision Direct

Winter and contact lenses

Winter is officially here, which means that we don't have much choice but to snuggle down and stay at home. And as dreary as the short days and harsh weather may be - what better time to get our cosy on, right? We're thinking all things crafty, movie marathons, baking galore, and chilly walks, paired with your contact lenses of course. To make sure your eyes are up for these activities, and stay comfortable and protected throughout, we're here to help.

Switch to dailies

If you're all about committing to that full-time lens life and prefer to wear contacts every day - monthlies are a no-brainer. However, they're definitely higher maintenance and need to be cleaned and stored correctly in solution overnight. Dailies, on the other hand, are disposable, and you can pop in a fresh, new pair, and switch to your specs, whenever you want. Plus, you can forget the faff of a cleaning routine, and enjoy a super-comfy wearing experience given that they're thinner in design, so more oxygen passes through. A seasonal must-have for winter, and beyond, these ultra-hydrating lenses are undoubtedly the answer, especially for those with allergies, or dry, sensitive eyes.

Up your UV protection

It may come as a surprise, but even during the winter months, UV rays can be just as harmful to your eyes. This is why opting for contact lenses with a UV filter is extremely important, so your eyes are protected regardless of the weather, or what you're up to. Daily lenses, like everclear ELITE, are exceptionally comfy, and feature UV blocking, offering an extra layer of defence against damaging light.

everclear ELITE product box

Try everclear ELITE

Exclusive to Vision Direct, everclear ELITE lenses are super-comfy and convenient, with an ultra-hydrating formula to lock in moisture throughout your day. These daily disposable lenses, made with silicone hydrogel material, allow oxygen to pass through to your eyes, so they stay and look healthy for up to 12 hours. Wearers with dry eyes will benefit from the hydrophilic design, formulated to put an end to irritations and stop any itchiness. Plus, UV blocking offers an extra layer of defence against harmful sun rays.

Discover everclear ELITE

Avoid hot, dry air

Yes, we know - there's nothing more snug than having the heating on full blast, particularly when the cold wind is howling outside. But don't give way to temptation; overheating tends to dry the air out, as well as your eyes making them feel irritated, itchy and red. The same goes for outdoor heaters and fire pits - two sizzling sources of warmth that make lingering in the wintery conditions bearable. If you plan on spending time embracing their toasty relief, try your best not to get too close, so you're aren't directly exposed.

Eye drops for dry eyes

Eye drops are essential

You'll never regret having a bottle of eye drops on hand, whatever the season - we promise! Although, winter in all it's glacial glory might see you doubling your dose, with the exceptionally dry and blustery weather. Ideal for after an icy stroll, marshmallow roasting session, or even a Netflix marathon, eye drops will ensure swift and soothing relief. Our opticians recommend everclear Eye Drops: this brand's gentle formula of natural, herbal ingredients acts quickly, providing long-lasting and effective relief, and is perfect for sensitive peepers, too. You can also ease dry, tired eyes with a few relaxing exercises, created to improve circulation and rebuild natural hydration.

Reduce digital eye strain

Screens are a huge part of our daily life and digital eye strain is an all year-round issue. But with the darker days, frosty conditions, and a set of restrictions now limiting our movements at the moment, we're undoubtedly going to turn to our digital devices for entertainment. Working from home also means that we're spending even more time alternating between our screens, with fewer breaks. This is why we need to be especially mindful of straining our eyes, and do what we can to put a stop to it. Simple things like stepping away from your display for a quick walk can make a big difference, as can adjusting the position of your screen, so it's at eye level. Our opticians also recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look away from your screen for 20 seconds, at an object that's 20 feet away.

Winter weather eyes

Hydration is key

The skin around your eyes acts as protection, but is also the thinnest and most delicate on your body. You can keep it fresh and hydrated by drinking at least 1.2 litres of water a day, and moisturising it with some gentle hypoallergenic eye contour cream. Eating certain foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can also increase tear production, preventing dry eyes. Try incorporating fish into your diet like salmon, tuna and sardines, snacking on seeds and nuts, and fruits and veggies like berries, kale and oranges. These small changes can really brighten up your cold winter days by making your eyes feel more comfortable and healthy. If you're keen for a nap after a day of adventuring, remember to always take out your lenses. Leaving them in will limit the amount of oxygen and moisture, causing your eyes to feel super-dry and irritated when you wake up.

Don't rub itchy eyes

Like we've mentioned, dry, cold air, smoke, heaters, and air-conditioning are all bad news for your eyes. It might feel good in the moment, but rubbing them is a big no-no, and can even misplace your lenses, or cause more discomfort. Again, eye drops will do the trick here, and if you're a monthly wearer, make sure to always leave your lenses in a high-quality solution overnight to prevent a build-up of itch-invoking irritants. You really can't beat everclear REFRESH All In One Solution to get this job done. Its fast-acting formula, compatible with all types of soft contact lenses, including silicone hydrogel lenses, efficiently removes bacteria and germs to keep your eyes healthy.

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