Contact Lenses Harm Eyes in Winter

More people visit eye doctors in winter than in summer. Most often, patients complain of discomfort and pain in the eyes. We asked the chief doctor of the Vilnius clinic “New Vision,” Andrejus Radko, why this happens.

“In winter, human eyes become extremely sensitive,” explains the doctor. “Fishermen, skiers, and anyone spending a sunny day in snowy areas know this well, as snow acts as a reflective surface and intensifies the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. A common cold weakens the body’s resistance to diseases, which then leads to conjunctivitis, causing painful sensations.”

People who wear contact lenses say that their eyes water in winter. Why does this happen?

Many people outdoors in cold weather experience tearing. This is a protective eye reaction – more warm moisture is produced. However, those who wear contact lenses in winter suffer not only from the cold.

The eye is the only part of the human body that does not receive oxygen through the blood; eye cells receive dissolved oxygen in tears directly from the air. In other words, an eye covered with a contact lens has difficulty receiving oxygen from the air. Add cold and UV-reflecting snow, and a protective eye reaction occurs. However, the tear ducts cannot cope with the situation, so tears flow in streams, as the body desperately tries to solve the problem.

How to help eyes in winter

The sun is much stronger from January to March. Therefore, it is necessary to wear sunglasses during this period. Do not rub your eyes with gloves, as this can cause infection. It is recommended to blink more often. Also, warm tears wash the eyes and improve their condition. General health-strengthening procedures — hardening, taking vitamins, and physical activity — will also help you stay healthy.