How cold weather affects the eyes, can it cause a corneal ulcer?

2023-12-12 01:23:19

When lower the temperature, one of our main worries is getting sick from some respiratory condition, and although it is likely to happen, we almost always forget about the eyes, the most exposed organs that can also suffer damage. Discover How cold weather affects the eyes. Can it cause a corneal ulcer?

In an interview for Salud180 with the Dr. Giovanna Yaret Montalvo Domínguez, Physician attached to the Comprehensive Ophthalmology service of APEC Hospital for Blindness, the specialist explained to us why the cold can affect the eyeswhat happens when low temperatures damage the eyes and whether the cold can cause a corneal ulcer.

Photo: iStock

How does cold weather affect the eyes?

He Cold weather can have a significant impact on the eye health due to several factors. First of all, when the temperature drops, the Cold air has a lower relative humidity. This means that the overall environment becomes drier. Therefore, the cold wind intensifies the dryness by eliminating the humidity present in the environment, describes the specialist.

The tear film that lines the surface of the eye plays an essential role in maintaining the eye health by providing lubrication and protection against foreign particles. However, when the ambient humidity decreases, the tear film It tends to evaporate more quickly. As a result, the following signs are experienced:

Eye discomfortBurning eyesExcessive tearingStinging feelingBlurry vision

“The general recommendation is to always make a annual ophthalmological evaluation. If now we start with some discomfort, the ideal is to do an eye check-up so that we can make sure that everything is fine and, if any treatment is required, we can provide it,” commented ophthalmologist Giovanna Yaret Montalvo.

Photo: iStock

“In it Blindness Hospital “We have a commitment to visual health, we are open to providing excellent medical care to the entire Mexican population,” added the specialist.

On the other hand, the winter season can significantly affect people who suffer from dry eye syndromesince the climatic conditions favor the tear film evaporate more quickly, impacting those who suffer from this condition, since their ability to maintain the lubricated eyes properly.

Should the application of artificial tears be adjusted during winter?

Yes, it is common for people to need to adjust the application of artificial tears during winter because cold weather can aggravate eye dryness. However, Dr. Giovanna Montalvo suggests that before applying any type of lubricant, you should consult a specialist, since there are different formulations depending on the patient’s needs.

Photo: iStock

Las artificial tears They come in different formulations, some of which are thicker or more viscous than others. In addition, there are formulations with preservatives that could cause irritation when applied. On the other hand, we can also find artificial tears designed to treat dry eye symptoms.

Therefore, the ideal is to consult with a professional. eye health before applying any product to your eyes to determine which ones are most appropriate for your needs. In this way, complications or unwanted effects are avoided.

Can cold weather cause a corneal ulcer?

Cold weather, without extreme conditions, generally does not directly cause corneal ulcers. However, it could contribute to the dry eyes and irritation, slightly increasing the risk of developing lesions on the ocular surface that could, in rare cases, evolve into a corneal ulcer if they are not treated properly.

“The environment is a factor that will determine whether there may be dry eye, but without a doubt, if it is combined with some other factor, for example, if the patient uses contact lenses and does not have adequate hygiene or suffers from some other pathology the ocular surface, then we can develop a problem, such as a corneal ulcer, but in reality it is not directly related to the cold season,” explained Dr. Giovanna Montalvo.

Photo: iStock

Some factors related to cold weather that can influence eye health include:

Dry eyes: The cold, dry air of winter can cause dry eyes, which can make the surface of the cornea more vulnerable to irritation and damage. Dry eyes can cause discomfort, such as itching, burning, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes.Reduced blinking: In cold weather, people tend to blink less, which can lead to less tear distribution and less protection. of the ocular surface. This could increase exposure to foreign particles and the risk of corneal abrasions.Wind exposure: cold wind can carry particles and dust that can come into contact with the ocular surface, causing irritation and, in rare cases, small corneal injuries.

If you are interested go to the Hospital for Blindness To carry out a medical evaluation, here I share their social networks so you can contact them:

Facebook: APEC Hospital for Blindness
“X” (before Twitter): @HospitalApec
Telephone: [phone]

Telephone service hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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