Winter Eye Care & Night Vision Tips
Winter brings cozy evenings spent by the fire, crisp morning air, and plenty of delicious treats to go around. But the season can also bring some very real issues when it comes to our eye health.
Shorter days mean more driving after dark, while cold winds and dry indoor heat can leave our eyes irritated or blurry. These conditions can make nyctalopia (night blindness) more noticeable and increase sensitivity to glare from headlights.
At Kinkead Optical Co., we often see more patients struggling with night vision during the winter months. We’re here to share why it happens, and how to keep your eyes comfortable and clear this season.
How the Winter Season Affects Our Eyes
Cold weather doesn’t just make your skin dry, it can dry out your eyes too. Here’s how winter conditions impact your vision:
Dry Air: Outdoor wind and indoor heating systems can thin your tear film, leading to dry eye syndrome. A poor tear film scatters light, increasing glare and reducing contrast at night.
More Nighttime Driving: With fewer daylight hours, you’re more likely to be behind the wheel in the dark, when vision is naturally more challenging. If you have mild myopia or astigmatism, night driving is even worse.
Pupil Dilation: In darkness, your pupils enlarge to take in more light, but this also lets in more unfocused light, which can scatter inside the eye and make headlights seem harsh or haloed.
These factors can make symptoms of nyctalopia more noticeable during winter, even in otherwise healthy eyes.
Our Tips for Winter Eye Care
Protecting your eyes from winter conditions can reduce glare and help preserve comfortable vision day or night. Here are a few steps to maximize your sight throughout the season.
Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating drops help stabilize your tear film and prevent dryness that worsens glare.
Wear Sunglasses in Snowy Conditions: If you live in a snowy area, or are planning on doing some skiing, the reflected UV rays can dry out and irritate your eyes. So be sure to wear sunglasses to help with light sensitivity.
Adjust Indoor Humidity: Using a humidifier at home can keep eyes more comfortable.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports tear production, which is essential to keep your eyes feeling comfortable.
Keep Glasses and Windshields Clean: Dust and smudges scatter light and increase glare, especially at night.
Safety Tips for Nighttime Driving in Winter
If nighttime driving feels more stressful in winter, here are a few habits to help you reduce the glare caused by headlights and streetlights:
Dim Dashboard Lights: Lowering brightness reduces contrast fatigue while driving at night.
Rest Your Eyes: Avoid long nighttime drives without breaks, and give your eyes time to adjust when transitioning from bright to dark environments.
Update Your Lenses: Did you know that there are actually lenses designed to improve your vision in low-light environments? Shamir Driver Intelligence™ Moon are a revolutionary lens design that reduces glare, sharpens vision, and even improves your reaction times while on the road.
To learn more about Driver Intelligence™ Moon, give us a call at (402) 660-5482 or stop by the shop, and we can fit a pair just for you.
Remember, the chilly season doesn’t have to make seeing clearly a struggle. With the right habits, you can keep your eyes feeling healthy, hydrated, and comfortable, for the winter season and beyond.
