Temperatures are dropping, cold winds are blowing, and you’re dressing in coats to keep your body protected from the cold. But you may be neglecting one important part of your body this winder—your eyes. 

Freezing air sucks moisture from everything, including your skin and eyes. And when you escape the cold and head indoors, the blast of heat that usually greets you this time of year can dry your eyes out even more. Some of the unpleasant symptoms of winter dry eyes are: 

  • Stinging and burning 
  • A feeling like sand in your eyes 
  • Mucus in and around your eyes 
  • Redness 
  • Excessive tearing 
  • Blurry vision 

Dry, irritated eyes are common this time of year, but they don’t have to be. Here are some things you can do to take care of your eyes this winter.  

Eat for your eyes!

It is not about carrots only!  There are many foods you can eat to keep your eyes healthy and it’s is not only boring and plain veggies. In fact, during the winter you can enjoy the sweetness of tangerines, which are high in vitamin C contributing to healthy blood vessels in your eyes Salmon and avocado are a tasty idea and they will provide you with omega 3 and healthy fats helping to prevent dry eyes and help improve function in the eye’s Meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears.

Dehydration is indeed a common problem during the winter and it can affect your vision as well. Drinking at least 2 litres of water every day can help with this, as well as providing fluid for normal eye function.

Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Many people think the sun can only damage your eyes when the weather is warm. When in fact your eyes need just as much protection in winter. Snowy and Rainy conditions double the sun’s effect as ultraviolet (UV) rays can enter your eyes from above and are reflected off the water/snow into your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV light and throw on a hat or visor if conditions are particularly bright.

Eye Mask

I bet right now you are picturing someone lying down with two huge cucumber slices on their eyes. No doubts it is a great remedy mask to give freshness to your eyes as well as reducing dark circles, but everyone knows about this one and we want you to try new ones!

  • Aloe Vera, Egg White & Carrot Mask: Aloe Vera is great in winter as it calms redness and irritation. Egg white and carrots will soften the skin around your eyes. Just combine the three ingredients in a mixer, apply around your eyes and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with cool water and your eyes will say thank you to you!
  • Green Tea, Potato & Sweet Almond Oil: Boil green tea, add a few drops of almond oil to it and soak potato slices in the green tea for 10 minutes. Then place in the fridge for 5 minutes, then apply the slices over your eyes for 20 minutes. Green tea is the perfect anti-oxidant and almond oil will nourish your eyelid. Potatoes contain a brightening agent so you will be ready to shine at night! 

Keep your Eyes moist.

Heat or air circulation from heating can cause dryness and irritation of the eye. It can be particularly painful and annoying for those who already suffer from dry eye, a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t properly produce tears. Try sitting farther away from heat sources and use artificial tears or a humidifier to alleviate dryness.