Winter brings chilly weather, festive celebrations, and unique challenges for your eyes. Cold air, dry heat, and bright sunlight can all affect your vision and eye health. With a few simple changes and the right vision plan, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all season long. That’s where Vision Care Direct comes in—we’re here to help you get the most from your vision benefits and protect your eye health year-round.
Combat Dry Eyes with Moisture
Cold winter air outside and dry, heated air inside can lead to dry, irritated eyes. Low humidity causes your eyes to lose moisture faster, making them feel itchy and uncomfortable. Using a humidifier in your home can add much-needed moisture back into the air, reducing dryness. Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day also supports healthy, moist eyes. If you still experience discomfort, try using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. Don’t forget to blink more often when using screens—this helps spread moisture across your eyes and reduces strain.
With a Vision Care Direct plan, you have access to comprehensive eye exams that can help identify and manage dry eye issues before they become serious.
Warm Compresses Feel Good and Can Help Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can also be caused by a lack of the natural oils found in tears. These oils are secreted from tiny glands that line the edge of your eyelids. If these glands become clogged or can’t secret these necessary oils, the water-based portion of your tears can evaporate faster, leading to dry eyes. When that happens, your brain tells your eyes to secrete more tears, leading to runny, watery eyes.
Warm compresses combined with gentle massage of the eyelids can help open the meibomian glands in the lids, restoring the balance between the water, oil, and mucin components of your tears. This ensures that your eyes remain comfortable and healthy during the winter months. Not only that, but it feels great and can help you relax before bedtime, which provides the added benefit of improving sleep.
Don’t Forget UV Protection, Even in Winter
Many people think of UV protection as something for the summer months, but the sun’s rays can be just as harmful in winter. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, increasing the risk of damage to your eyes and even causing sunburn on the cornea, a condition known as photokeratitis. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection, even on overcast days. Wraparound styles offer extra coverage, and polarized lenses help reduce glare—especially useful for winter sports and driving.
Your Vision Care Direct benefits may include savings on high-quality sunglasses, making it easier to find the perfect pair to protect your eyes this winter.
Guard Your Eyes Against Cold Wind
Cold winds can leave your eyes feeling dry, sore, and watery. This can be especially uncomfortable if you enjoy outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding. To shield your eyes, consider wearing goggles or wraparound glasses. A scarf or hat with a brim can also provide a barrier against the wind. If you wear contact lenses, switching to daily disposables during the winter months can help reduce the risk of dryness and irritation.
Vision Care Direct’s plans give you flexibility in choosing contact lenses that fit your needs so you can stay comfortable no matter the season.
Adjust Your Indoor Heating Habits
While indoor heating keeps you warm, it can dry out the air and your eyes. Forced-air systems and space heaters are common culprits. To protect your eyes, try lowering the thermostat a few degrees and avoid sitting directly in front of heat sources. Taking breaks from screens can also help, as prolonged screen use combined with dry air can lead to digital eye strain.
With Vision Care Direct, you have access to routine eye exams that can help detect and manage conditions like dry eye syndrome, ensuring you get the right care when you need it.
Support Your Eye Health with a Balanced Diet
Your diet can play a significant role in maintaining eye health during winter. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and walnuts, help support tear production and reduce inflammation. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in antioxidants, which help protect your eyes from damage.
Vision Care Direct members can make use of their plan’s benefits for regular eye exams, where your eye doctor can offer personalized recommendations for a diet that supports optimal eye health.
Use Your Vision Benefits for Annual Eye Exams
Winter is a great time to use your vision benefits for an annual eye exam. Cold, dry air can exacerbate conditions like dry eye syndrome or blepharitis, and an eye exam can help catch these issues early. Regular check-ups ensure that your vision is at its best and that your prescription is up to date so you can enjoy the winter season without discomfort.
Vision Care Direct offers comprehensive vision benefit plans that cover routine exams, making it easier for you to stay proactive about your eye health. Take advantage of your plan benefits to see an optometrist and get the care you need.
Enjoy Winter with Healthy, Protected Eyes
Winter weather can be tough on your eyes, but small adjustments in your routine can make a big difference. Use a humidifier, protect your eyes from UV rays and wind, and take advantage of the benefits offered by your Vision Care Direct plan. By staying proactive, you can enjoy everything the winter season has to offer without sacrificing your eye health.
Have a Vision Care Direct plan?
Check your benefits today and make sure you’re using all the resources available to keep your eyes healthy this winter. Not a member yet? Explore our vision benefit plans to find the right fit for you and your family.