Don't let winter put the big chill on your eyes

The extreme cold of this winter can have deleterious effects on your health, and that could even include your eyes. The combination of dry indoor heat and cold, dry outdoor air leaves your eyes vulnerable to becoming dry and the incidence of dry-eye syndrome is more common during the winter months. Low humidty factors into the evaporation of the lubricant in the eyes and this results in the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) becoming less moist than usual. Less moisture can lead to severe eye pain, and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye. Symptoms of dry eye can include a constant watery discharge, itching or burning of the eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. You can take steps to help prevent or lessen symptoms of dry eye. Wearing sunglasses helps to protect the eyes from the harsh winter winds and running a humidifier in your home to help restore normal levels of humidity can also help. If you continue to have problems, consult your doctor about using artificial tears and try VisiVite's Dry Eye Relief to help reduce your symptoms of dry eye.*