Beware of Seasonal Winds: Dry Eyes Might Be Just Around the Corner!
Seasonal transitions and changing weather conditions affect our eyes, just like the rest of our body. Especially strong winds and the accompanying low humidity levels pose a significant threat to our eye health: Dry Eye Syndrome.
Why Do Our Eyes Get Dry?
The tear film, which protects our eye surface, is largely composed of water. Wind causes this tear film to evaporate much faster than normal. A drop in ambient humidity further exacerbates this situation. As a result, the eye surface begins to dry out, leading to the following complaints:
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Burning and Stinging Sensation
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Redness
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Foreign body (gritty/sandy) sensation in the eye
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Blurred vision
Protect Your Eyes in 4 Steps
You can increase your eye comfort by taking small precautions against seasonal dryness:
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Use Protective Eyewear: Wearing wide-framed sunglasses when going out in windy weather significantly slows down evaporation by cutting off the direct contact of the wind with your eyes.
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Increase Room Humidity: Try to keep the humidity level in the air at an ideal level (around 45%), especially in enclosed and heated environments, by using humidifiers (cool mist).
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Blink Frequently: Our blinking frequency decreases when working in front of a screen for long periods. Consciously blinking often helps renew the tear film.
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Artificial Tear Support: If your complaints persist, using preservative-free artificial tear drops, as recommended by your ophthalmologist, will provide relief by moisturizing the eye surface.
Important Note: If your dry eye complaints are severe enough to negatively affect your daily life, there might be another underlying cause. Consult our experts by making an appointment at our Ophthalmology Department for diagnosis and correct treatment.
We wish you healthy days.
