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Are Your Eyes Winter Ready

Posted by: Northwest Eye in News on November 11, 2021

family of four going skiing

Temperatures are dropping and cold winds are blowing, which means the winter sports season is fast approaching. It’s time to break out the ski gear and winter wardrobe to keep your body protected from the elements as you and your family continue sports outside. But you may be neglecting one important body part as winter approaches: your eyes!

You probably wear eye protection in the summer, but do you think about it during the winter months as well? Even though the sun is lower in the sky, the UV rays are just as strong in the winter. At times, it may even be more intense as the sunlight bounces off the snow and ice, producing glare and increasing our exposure to UV rays. UV radiation can make your eyes more prone to degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, periocular skin cancer, and macular degeneration.

Here are a few things that you can do to keep your eyes protected and safe during the harsh winter months:

  1. Wear protective eyewear & quality sunglasses outside

Dry eyes will become even drier when they’re exposed to icy winds. In addition to battling UV rays, wrap-around sunglasses or goggles offer great protection against windy winter days and are optimal for outdoor sports!

  • Stay away from direct heat

Turn down your central heating to a mild temperature for moisture retention in your eyes.

  • Blinking excessively

This ensures adequate production of tears to keep your eyes well lubricated.

  • Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier with central heating can help maintain essential levels of moisture in the air.

  • Keep eye drops handy

Eye drops and artificial tears are reliable remedies for dry eyes. Keep a bottle with you throughout the day to take care of any sudden episodes of irritation.

  • Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water each day can relieve dry-eye and keep your body functioning at its best.

  • Visit your Eye Doctor

Winter break offers a great time to schedule your child’s annual eye exam, as well as your own. Make sure your family’s vision is ready for all the events (and memories!) winter has to offer. Schedule an appointment today by calling (763) 416-7600 or by visiting our website.

Be proactive and make sure your eyes are healthy and protected for the winter months ahead! Because the more you know, the better you see.


locations

Serving Our Community

With six locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, Northwest Eye is among the largest eye care providers in the Midwest. Be Eye Wise and schedule a general eye exam or a specific service consultation today. We have optical  at the following offices:  Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, St. Anthony, and Wayzata, MN.

8501 Golden Valley Rd.,
Suite 100 & 200
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Additional Golden Valley Information
12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Additional Minnetonka (Crosstown) Information
12000 Elm Creek Blvd N., Suite 100
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Additional Maple Grove Information
6060 Clearwater Dr., Suite 150
Minnetonka, MN 55343

Please note:
***This office will be moving to our new Crosstown location on January 1.**
New Location:
12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Additional Minnetonka Information
2601 39th Ave NE., Suite 1
St. Anthony, MN 55421
Additional St. Anthony Information
250 Central Ave N., Suites 105 & 107, Optical Suite 106
Wayzata, MN 55391
Additional Wayzata Information
7125 Tamarack Rd, Suite 150,
Woodbury, MN 55125
Additional Woodbury Information
11091 Ulysses St NE., Suite 400
Blaine, MN 55434
Additional Blaine Surgery Center Information
9801 Dupont Ave S., Suite 100
Bloomington, MN 55431
Additional Bloomington Surgery Center Information
10709 Wayzata Blvd., Suites 100 & 120
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Additional Minnetonka Surgery Center Information