According to water and eye researcher, Sharon Kleyne, eye health problems can become a big problem during the winter months. Her research shows that temporary blurred vision is far more likely to occur in winter when the atmosphere is cooler.

Kleyne warns that symptoms of temporary blurred vision, especially if the patient is already suffering with dry eye syndrome, can be extremely dangerous. Whilst potentially very serious, this condition can also be easily alleviated. So getting an eye checkup if you feel these symptoms coming on as soon as possible is very important – and is critical to relieving your condition.

Risk of Blurred Vision in Winter

These eye complaints are much more prominent in the winter time due to the conditions of the atmosphere. The colder weather causes the air to be cooler. Cool air can’t hold as much water vapour and therefore is less humid than the warmer air we experience in summer time.

The lower the air humidity, the more evaporation that occurs around us. This natural evaporation happens in lakes, rivers, even puddles in the road and wet sidewalks. It even occurs in the moist tear film which covers our eyes. This tear film, made of 98% water content, is just as susceptible to the increasing evaporation that takes place due to the cool air and it’s exactly this that causes us to suffer from dry eye syndrome.

Risk of Blurred Vision in Winter

Blurred vision then follows from the dry eye symptoms. Reflex tears quickly flood the eyes due to the tear glands overcompensating for the loss of water. So your eyes will temporarily feel watery, causing light refraction and blurry vision.

An even bigger problem though begins with the dry eye syndrome, when dry spots form on the cornea creating images to be distorted or unclear. Dry eyes can be relieved with lubricating eye drops such as the Alcon Systane 10ml Drops, available at SelectSpecs. Or you can give yourself quick relief by resting your eyes, massaging the eye area, using a hot compress or doing regular eye exercises.

winter dry eyes lubricating drops

According to Kleyne’s research, the problems of blurred vision are most likely to occur late in the day because of the build-up of pollution, smoke and other dehydrating factors. Those who use computers and other devices for extended periods of time could be more likely to suffer from these problems in winter – so if you work in an office, be sure to take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

Those who suffer from dry eye and blurry vision are likely to experience these problems when driving at night, making it extremely dangerous. Car lights or street lights may appear streaky and could impair your vision on the road. In addition, eye injuries also account for 85% of reported workplace injuries. So seeing your eye doctor as soon as possible for advice is more important than ever in the winter season.

To find out how else you can relieve eye problems during the cold weather period, take a look at our 5 Quick Eye Exercises in Winter.

 

By james

3 thoughts on “Research Shows Higher Risk of Blurred Vision in Winter”
  1. During the winter the air humidity is indeed lower. How about when your eyes get itchy? Is that also a dry eyes symptoms? My eyes get itchy at times that I yet figure out why. Rubbing my eyes is not wise to do, yes? But it tends to gets real itchy and then I’ll blink a lot. Maybe I just need to do the regular eye exam, you guys should too!

    1. Hi Jill,

      Dry eyes can cause itchiness which can be very uncomfortable in the winter. An easy fix for this is lubricating eye drops like these, but if you’re concerned it’s always best to have your eyes checked by your optician for any other issues.

      I hope this helps!
      Mary

  2. Twice my eyesight has gotten blurry (once was very blurry) in the chilly air. It may sound loopy but I had the distinct impression that my chilled face around my cheeks and temple contracted my skin and muscles and distorted my vision. While not achy cold my face was definitely uncomfortable to the point that my eyeballs were cold. Do you think a cold face could distort your vision or is it more likely dry eyes?

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