Protecting your eyes in winter: Key tips for enjoying the holidays without putting your vision at risk
Winter is already here, and the conditions typical of this season place extra demands on the eyes, as they become more easily irritated and require greater care.
Dr. Miguel Ruiz, a specialist at Miranza Begitek and Miranza Ókular, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to eye health before and during travel common in the holiday season.
The reflection of sunlight off the snow is one of the main risk factors at this time of year, as it greatly increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) and visible light radiation, which can cause discomfort or alterations on the surface of the eye, such as keratitis, if proper eyewear is not used. Added to this are sudden temperature changes between indoor spaces and the cold outdoor air, as well as prolonged use of heating, which promote dry eyes and a feeling of irritation.
During ski trips, which are common at this time of year, specialists recommend increasing regular eye hydration with artificial tears and using specific ski goggles designed to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reduce lateral glare. In addition to blocking UV radiation, these goggles should provide Category 4 protection—the highest level on the visible light protection scale. This allows for more comprehensive protection against the high brightness conditions found in snowy environments and helps prevent discomfort or injuries caused by intense light exposure.
The specialist states, “On the snow, ultraviolet and visible light radiation reaches the eyes from almost every direction. Without proper protection, the cornea can become irritated or even burned within a few hours. Many of the eye discomforts that appear at the end of the day are due to the eye’s response to that excess light”.
In addition to protection against excessive light radiation, specialists remind us that visibility can also be compromised by common winter weather phenomena such as fog, snow, or sudden changes in brightness. In these cases, having up-to-date corrective lenses is essential to avoid straining the eyes and to improve contrast perception in low-light environments.
Onset of eye complications
During this cold season, Dr. Óscar Gris, a specialist at IMO Grupo Miranza, explains that greater attention should be paid to symptoms such as eye redness, light sensitivity, tearing, blurred vision, or the sensation of a foreign body in the eye. These signs may indicate ocular complications such as pinguecula (a small growth on the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye), pterygium (growth of the conjunctiva invading the cornea), photokeratitis, dry eye, and cataracts.
For this reason, the ophthalmologist stresses the importance of having eye check-ups at least once a year, especially for people who participate in sports in environments with high exposure to environmental elements.
With these measures, Dr. Gris reminds us that it is possible to enjoy winter getaways and snow activities with complete comfort and visual safety. Proper protection and regular eye care help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of injuries, ensuring that experiences during this festive season and holiday escapes are as enjoyable as they are safe.
