Here comes the cold!
 
The winter season transforms the world outside and makes us adjust our daily routines to prepare for these transformations.  
 
During the colder months we make numerous adjustments to our environment and wardrobe to adapt to the chilling effects of winter. It is important to remember that our bodies and health are often significantly affected by the changes that occur during the winter months.  
 
There is no shortage of ways the cold can bring inconvenient changes to our daily lives. Common symptoms of cold winter weather include runny noses, chapped lips, dry skin, and frozen fingers.   
 
However, there is one part of our body that often receives the worst of the winter weather -- our eyes.
 
Both the harsh winter winds outside and the dry heat radiating inside can cause a sudden onset of moisture evaporation from our eyes.
 
The result is a significant increase in dry eyes.
 
Dry eye leads to a number of eye symptoms including itching, burning, fluctuating vision, blurred vision, eye pain, and/or excessive watering to compensate for the dryness.
 
It is nearly impossible to avoid dry eyes all together in the winter months, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that your eyes stay as hydrated and healthy as possible this winter season.
 
1. Humidify Your Home
During the winter months, a home’s humidity level can dip below the 30-55 percent range that is required for our eyes to stay adequately lubricated. Consider bringing a humidifier into your home to improve the ambient humidity. Additionally, consider leaving off the exhaust in your bathroom while you are showering.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Even mild dehydration can negatively affect the hydration of the eyes. This is especially significant in winter because cold temperatures can dampen the body’s thirst mechanism, while artificial heat speeds the evaporation of tears. Keep your eyes hydrated by drinking water throughout the day and increasing your intake of fluid-rich foods (soup, fruits, vegetables).
3. Increase Your Omega 3s
The dryness of the winter season can contribute to inflammation of the eyes tear glands. This can lead to a decrease in their secretion and an increase in evaporative tear loss. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the amount of inflammation in these tear glands and improve the quality of their secretions, thus decreasing tear evaporation. If your diet is low in these essential nutrients, consider taking a fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement.  
4. Heat Your Seat
On a cold day, your first instinct when getting into your car is to blast the heat on high until you warm up. Sitting in front of the forced air vent is essentially the same as holding a hair dryer to your eyes. They can become very dry, very quickly. Consider heating your feet and/or turning on your seat warmer until you are at a comfortable temperature.

Dry eye is a common occurrence and is exacerbated during the winter months. It can lead to significant discomfort and a decreased quality of life. The understanding of dry eye disease continues to improve and new therapeutic options continue to emerge. If you are suffering from dry eyes, itching, burning, fluctuating vision, blurred vision, eye pain, and/or excessive watering, then schedule a dry eye evaluation today. We would love to help you find treatment plan that works for you!

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Complete Vision Care Festus is now open every first and third Saturdays of each month, so make an appointment today.  Complete Vision Care is located at 600 Westwood Drive in Festus and will be open from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm on these Saturdays.  We understand the schedule of working individuals and realize that taking time off work for doctor appointments is not how you want to use your earned time off.

Doctors Mark Kahrhoff and Dustin Wiles will be available for comprehensive eye examinations including contact lens fitttings.  Our team of expert opticians will be available for eyewear consultation to help you select the perfect frame and lenses.  Call our office at (636) 931-2020 or click request an appointment to schedule an examination today.

It should come as no surprise that Americans today are living much longer than past generations.  We’re also aging differently than our parents and grandparents. Baby boomers are entering their retirement years, but they aren’t about to slow down. Instead, they are looking for breath-taking experiences; and with this adventurous mindset comes the need to travel – specifically the need to travel by car. No matter the distance, getting behind the wheel of a car should be taken seriously and approached with safety in mind.

To keep yourself safe consider these proactive tips to keep your vision in tip-top shape.

• Eat your veggies. Those dark, leafy vegetables such as kale and broccoli contain zeaxanthin and lutein which act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells.
• Eliminate distractions. When you are behind the wheel, the road in front of you should have your full attention. Avoid using your cell phone or adjusting the radio or  navigation system while driving. If something requires your attention, it’s best to pull over to a safe spot. Don’t try to multi-task!
• Upgrade your shades. Glare can be distracting and bothersome to everyone while driving. Don’t let the sun add to your chance of an accident. Polarized lenses reduce blinding glare by adding an additional layer of much-needed protection against the sun’s rays.
• Regular Eye Examinations. Regular visits will ensure that your current prescription lenses are providing the best vision possible. If you wear prescription glasses full-time, ask about prescription sunglasses. We can turn your favorite sunglasses into prescription sunglasses – all you have to do is ask.

There’s an entire world out there full of amazing adventures waiting for you. Don’t let your vision hold you back.

Take off all that makeup.
Makeup is great when needed, but old eye makeup can lead to bacterial infections, toxic heavy metals, dry eyes, allergic reactions and loss of eyelashes. So, if you’ve been applying some eye shadow, liner, primer and mascara, make sure you properly take it off! And, if you’re out of makeup remover, consider using avocado.

Eat healthy.
A new study shows that coffee can be good for your eyes, as its strong antioxidant chlorogenic acid can prevent retinal degeneration. For food, think leafy greens, dark berries, eggs and cold-water fish like salmon, which have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. And, while we’re on the topic of health, quitting smoking is also a good idea as cigarettes can lead to cataracts, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration.

Regular eye exams.
Annual comprehensive eye exams can spot  early signs of diseases. Keep in mind the difference between a vision screening  (includes a brief vision test for acuity) and a comprehensive eye exam (which tests all aspects of your vision).

Take a break and look away from the computer.
Digital eye strain affects up to 75 percent of computer workers.  In our plugged-in lives, we’re susceptible to “computer vision syndrome,” which can include ocular discomfort, muscular strain and stress. To help relieve the tension, eye doctors suggest taking a break, blinking frequently, wearing computer glasses and checking your computer’s position (20 to 28 inches away from the eye is best). Make sure to think about setting your monitor near minimum overhead light.  Also try magnifying the text on your screen to make reading easier.


So, in short, protect your eyes like you would protect your skin and the rest of the organs in your body. Stay safe, use eyewear protection and keep rocking on!