Vision problems in winter

Do not ignore vision problems in winter / tear-ounce in dry eyes / no glasses on the slopes

13/11/2013

Slowly but surely winter is coming to Germany. Fog, snow and black ice not only complicate driving due to the ground conditions, many people with vision problems in the dark season to see much worse than in summer. In addition, the warm heating air dries not only the mucous membranes in the nose but also the eyes. The best winter tips on the other hand Robert Loblich, ophthalmologist from the Artemis Eye Clinic Frankfurt. He also advises ski riders not to wear glasses on the slopes.

Visual check at „night-blindness“
When it's pitch dark, rain patters on the windshield, and oncoming headlights are reflected on wet roads, many people see bad. Especially in winter, this is noticeable because many spend more time in the dark. However, this is not, as is often assumed, a form of night blindness, but the poor view points to a defective vision that has not been sufficiently corrected. Unrecognized sight defects show up especially in poor lighting, for example, when reading by candlelight. Even a cataract worsens seeing in the dark. Those affected often complain about an increased sensitivity to light and glare. In both cases, sufferers should consult an ophthalmologist, because especially on slippery and slippery roads, a clear view and the resulting responsiveness is essential.

Create a good climate for dry eyes
Sensitive eyes also react to dry heating air in winter. They feel dry by dehumidifying or burning. If you moisten the environment with a glass of water on the heater, it creates a healthy indoor climate and relieves discomfort. In addition, regular ventilation helps, preferably twice a day. Even artificial tears with moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid often bring rapid relief.

When the mountain calls, drop glasses
For winter sports enthusiasts, the most important rule of thumb in winter is: Do not wear normal glasses. As with accident-prone sports in the warm season, the risk of injury without glasses is much lower: strap or broken glasses will not cause injury. If you do not want to give up your glasses, you should have a special sports glasses made. For many, this is not an option for practical reasons. If the glasses only interfere with skiing, it is best to use contact lenses. For those who are bothered by their nasal bicycles all year round, eye laser surgery is a good alternative. The permanent surgical correction allows life without glasses and is one of the safest methods in medicine. (Pm)