While summer and sunshine go hand in hand, winter often brings the harshest glare from sunlight. In addition to the reflection of UV rays off snow, winter poses the risk of extremely dry weather and high winds, both of which may be harmful to your vision. Once the sun sets (which is early!), a new challenge arises for drivers as headlight glare is amplified by frosty windows and mirrors.
Here are some quick tips to protect your vision this winter:
Shield Your Eyes: Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes from harmful glare and UV rays. If you play hockey, ski or any other winter sport, wear a protective visor or goggles at all times to protect your eyes from harsh light and potential injury. However, prescription sunglasses are costly, and glasses are often a hindrance as they may fog up in winter weather conditions.
Choose Your Winter Clothes Wisely: In addition to wearing sunglasses, a hooded jacket, scarf or wide-brimmed hat can help shade your eyes and protect them from wind.
Keep Your Home Humid: Consider a portable humidifier or a furnace humidifier to regulate moisture and protect your eyes from dryness. If you love relaxing by a crackling fire, make sure it’s well-ventilated as smoke is a leading cause of intermittent dry and teary eyes.
Drive with Care: Icy patches on roadways can be difficult to see, especially if you have the added boundary of glasses or contacts. Winter driving is hazardous even for those with perfect vision, so keep your windshield, mirrors, wipers and headlights clean and clear to ensure the best sightlines possible.
Keep an Eye Out for Road Obstructions: At night, the early darkness combined with headlight glare can make it even more difficult to spot hazards on the road. When driving, be on alert for wildlife, pedestrians and snow ruts that can be difficult to see if your vision is already limited by other factors.
If you’re dreading winter weather because of its effect on your vision, or find that your glasses are limiting your winter activities, now is the time to consider laser eye surgery from Image Plus. If you’re ready to go frameless, contact us today to book your complimentary assessment.