How to Look After Your Eyes this Winter 

Harrold Opticians • December 31, 2019

The temperature outside is swiftly dropping which means winter is nearly here. The cold weather can have a detrimental effect on your eyes. During the winter months, the number of people suffering from conditions such as dry eye rises drastically. This is because the drop in temperature outdoors makes the air become colder and drier. With the reduction of moisture in the air, the surface of the eye loses moisture due to evaporation. As a result, the eye becomes dry and does not produce sufficient tears to keep the eye moist. Dry eye can cause sensitivity to light, a sting and burning sensation in and around the eyes, difficulty driving at night-time and blurred vision.

There are various things you can do to help prevent getting dry eye this winter. Here are our top tips!

1. Use Sunglasses – Many people believe that they don’t need to wear sunglasses during the winter due to the colder weather. However, it is still important to wear your sunglasses during the winter months in order to protect your eyes. The UV radiation can damage and dry out your eyes. During the winter months, the UV light can reflect off snowy or icy surfaces, without wearing sunglasses your eyes are at risk.

2. Carry Eye Drops – Your eyes can begin to dry out very quickly once you leave the house. This leaves you at risk of developing dry eye. It is important to keep your eyes moist. A great way to do this is to carry eye drops with you, a few drops into your eye will help keep it moist and stop your eye from drying out.

3. Avoid Standing in Front of Direct Heat for too Long – It might be tempting to stand in front of a heat source like an electric heater or fire after coming in from the cold, however, this can also dry your eyes out. When you are in cold weather, your eyes will develop a tear film in order to protect your eyes from losing moisture, if you then stand in front of direct heat the tear film can evaporate.

4. Take a Break From Digital Devices – Whilst you should always exercise caution with using digital devices such as computers, phones and televisions throughout the year, during the winter months it is especially important. Looking at the screen can cause your eyes to dry out. Try to exercise the 20:20:20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Also, make sure to blink a lot whilst looking at the screen in order to stimulate your eyes to produce tears.

5. Take Care Whilst Driving At Night – During the winter months driving at night can become very difficult, the sun goes down sooner making the roads much darker. This means that people tend to use their headlights more often which can cause glare for many people who wear glasses. Using EnRoute contact lenses can significantly help. These specially designed lenses offer clear, unimpaired vision with a significant reduction from glare and reflections.

If you would like to find out more about how EnRoute contact lenses can help protect your eyes this winter, follow the link - http://d36.co/13JQS

By David Reeves May 13, 2025
Sustainable choices are becoming second nature in the way we shop. And good news for the glasses-wearers among us—eyewear has joined the movement. Today, stylish frames crafted from eco-friendly materials are more readily available—redefining how we think about glasses by putting ethics front and centre in the style equation, so fashion and sustainability are at its heart.
Young girl wearing glasses reading book while lying on floor at home
By David Reeves May 1, 2025
Short-sightedness (myopia) is now more common in kids. Our experts explain that myopia management, like MiYOSMART lenses, may slow its progression.
Group of happy university students walking outdoors on campus
By David Reeves March 25, 2025
Suffering from blocked ears and looking for ear wax removal options? Read on for information on microsuction ear wax removal and more expert tips.
Harrald Optician
By David Reeves March 21, 2025
Choose our independent opticians and audiologists for professional services that put you first. We're proud to have served our communities since 1932.
Two women sat in the sunshine wearing fashionable sunglasses
By David Reeves March 10, 2025
UV rays affect not only our skin but also our eyes. Find out more about how to take care of your eyes and why UV protection sunglasses are essential.
Image of a woman undergoing an eye exam
By David Reeves February 20, 2025
Find answers to frequently asked eye health questions such as "how important are regular eye exams?" and "how often should you have an eye test?"
A close-up view of an eye showing signs of glaucoma
By David Reeves February 19, 2025
Let’s take a look at what causes glaucoma, how to spot it early and how regular check-ups can help protect your precious vision for years to come.
Different texture examples in Mocha Mousse with the text ‘Colour of the Year 2025 Mocha Mousse 17-12
By David Reeves February 14, 2025
The Pantone Colour of the Year is in – and it’s Mocha Mousse! Read on to find out why this earthy shade is perfect for your next pair of glasses.
January 20, 2025
Myopia, often called short-sightedness, is one of the most widespread eye conditions affecting children. By 2050, it’s estimated that 50% of the global population will be affected by this condition, which is why we are passionate about protecting your child’s eye health. In this article, we’ll explore what myopia is, why it’s important to slow its progression, and the innovative management options we offer to support your child’s vision. What does being short-sighted really mean? 
December 23, 2024
As we step into a new year, there's no better time to reimagine your personal style – and what better place to start than with a new pair of glasses? Eyewear does more than help you see clearly: it’s a fashion statement too. It’s a statement of who you are. Glasses are the first thing anyone sees when they look at your eyes. Our range includes three exceptional brands that can transform your 2025 style game. You’ll find our most popular glasses among these premium collections. Face À Face 
Show More