How to look after your kids’ eyes in winters

During the winter months, the weather and environment can take a toll on your child’s eye health. Their delicate eyes need care just like any other part of the body. Here are some common eye problems that children may suffer from during winter and tips for you to combat them.

Not only do winters dry out children’s eyes, but the chilly months can also affect the eyes by doing just the opposite — overproducing tears. This can make their vision blurry and irritate them. One of the best ways to prevent teary eyes is to make your kid wear protective glasses or sunglasses when outside to protect his eyes against the wind. If your child struggles with teary eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor so they may examine the eyes because excessive tears can also be brought on by other conditions like infection, clogged tear ducts, or dry eyes.

“Winter and dryness go hand-in-hand. We all like being glued to a blower heater during the winter months including kids. But the trade-off is the loss of moisture not just from their skin but the eyes as well. However, there is a remedy to this - keeping their body hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water. Try to avoid direct heat on your child’s face as much as possible by directing the airflow away from their face. On a windy day, make them wear protective glasses to prevent moisture loss from their eyes. If your child already suffers from dry eyes, it is always a good idea to speak with your ophthalmologist as they will advise what measures to undertake so that you can steer clear of dry eyes during winter,” says Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Orbis.

“Some children develop sensitivity to light especially during the winter months. This can cause difficulty seeing, especially while looking at the blackboard. Therefore, ask them to wear sunglasses as they would during summers. Sunglasses can protect their eyes from the sun’s UV rays which may lead to many eye issues, such as sensitivity. Moreover, regular eye check-ups are essential if you see your child squinting too much or touching their eyes,” says Dr Bohra.

With shorter days and longer nights translating into reduced periods with natural light, everyday tasks like reading could cause strain on your child’s eyes resulting in tired eyes. A small step like having a table lamp on at their desk can significantly improve the concentration of light needed for reading and writing while completing homework. In addition, to reduce the fatigue of eyes due to increased screen time, you may help them practice the 20-20-20 rule: Spend at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes looking at something 20 feet away.

Red eyes, also known as bloodshot eyes, can be a sign of a gamut of things, including tiredness, dryness, excessive tears, seasonal allergy, infection, and inflammation. Some children may experience redness in the eyes due to the weather while others may face it due to direct exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods. This may lead to inflammation and red eyes. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is recommended when going out for play or school during winters as well.

Also Read: How to dress your baby perfectly for the upcoming cold weather