How to protect your eyes in autumn and winter
We can’t imagine summer without sunglasses, but as soon as the sun starts to operate at a different angle and less aggressively for the eyes, we often give them up. This is not a good idea. In autumn and winter, eyes are just as vulnerable to the adverse effects of UV rays as in summer. They require special protection when snowy and cold winter weather happens to us. In addition to the usual radiation, our eyes then receive as much as 85-95% of the radiation reflected from the snow, which acts as a mirror. It is very easy then to get corneal damage and aggressive conjunctivitis.
Sun + snow = explosive mixture
Excessive radiation causes the lens to cloudy more quickly, and macular degeneration, which is responsible for visual acuity, can also occur more quickly. Failure to protect the eyes from sunlight can contribute to intraocular cancer, or melanoma. It can also be dangerous to focus one’s eyes on reflected radiation, such as when staring at a sparkling snowfield, or the effects of the sun’s rays reflected in some smooth sheet.
It is worth knowing that we may be affected by the so-called snow blindness. It affects not only Himalayan climbers or mountaineers, but everyone who goes to high mountains. Already at an altitude of 3,000 meters, twice the amount of UV radiation reaches our eyes. The headache that appears then can be equally related to altitude and corneal burn. This is followed by dry eyes, burning and tearing, and finally double vision and temporary loss of vision, even lasting a few days. The snowy winter should therefore motivate us to buy glasses marked with the number 4 – their lenses let through only 3-8% of the light reaching the eye. They are indispensable in conditions of very strong and blinding sunlight, mi. in. In the mountains, in the snow. A good solution in winter sunglasses are additional side shields. People engaged in winter sports should not forget about goggles!
NOTE: It is not allowed to drive a car while wearing glasses marked with a four.
Dry or polluted air
The autumn and winter period is also the heating season. The air in our apartments is dry, which adversely affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is a good idea to set up a humidifier in the apartment and use moisturizing eye drops every day. If you live in an area where autumn and winter is a time of heavy smog, be sure to read how to protect your eyes from polluted air [link to article on smog].
Be careful with your makeup!
The turn of the old and new year is a time for social gatherings. When experimenting with makeup, remember that various shiny accessories, such as glitter, can get into the eyes and under contact lenses, causing irritation.
