Have you ever noticed that the eyes they cry when there is a significant drop in the temperatures? Don’t worry, it’s completely normal. The surface of the eye, made up mainly of the conjunctiva and cornea, needs to be very well hydrated and lubricated to be in optimal condition. However, the cold and the wind cause this moisture to evaporate. So our eyes resort to a ‘plan B’ and start a mechanism of defending innate physiological to protect itself: re-hydrate itself with the production of tears.
“Both the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye -sclera-) and the cornea (the superficial lens of the eye) are very sensitive areas and, in addition, the corneaIt has a number of nerve fibers that have the ability to detect changes in temperature, both hot and cold. Therefore, tearing is nothing more than a reflex action of the organism that sends signals to the glands that produce tears so that they act by covering the eyes to create a film that protects them,” says the doctor. Fernando Llovetophthalmologist co-founder of Clínica Baviera.
When is it normal and when is it not?
Specialists explain that if eyes water from cold and there are no other symptoms, there is no reason to worry. “Above all, if we experience it when there is a drastic drop in temperatures.” However, if this tearing occurs constantly or continues when temperatures rise, you should see a specialist. “It could be another problem such as a small obstruction of the lacrimal duct or another complication that must be evaluated by a professional. The specialist should also be consulted if the tearing is accompanied by red eyes, rheum or pain, ”he adds.
To the tearing caused by the cold, we should add other visual discomfort typical of winter such as viral conjunctivitis as a result of viruses that cause flu processes, itching, burning sensation or irritation.
The experts at the Clínica Baviera offer several tips to improve eye health during the coldest days:
Increase hydration
To avoid the discomfort of dryness, it is recommended to use artificial tears No preservatives to lubricate the ocular surface. “This way we will avoid itching, irritation or burning sensation in the eye”, say the specialists.
wear sunglasses
If the eyes are going to suffer strong exposure to cold and wind, it is advisable to protect them with suitable, approved glasses, with adequate filters and purchased in specialized centers. “In this way, corneal problems such as conjunctivitis or keratitis will be avoided,” they explain.
Don’t rub your eyes
If a foreign body enters the eyes due to the wind or another agent, avoid rubbing. It is best to wash it with saline and treat the area carefully.
Control the humidity of the environments
Using a humidifier at home or in work areas is a good solution to avoid the feeling of dryness and itching that these environments generate.
Drink a lot of water
Another way to keep your eyes hydrated is by drinking water. “Good habits are also reflected in our visual health, so it is important to maintain hydration levels in our body so that the eyes are not affected by a lack of fluid,” they add.
increase flicker
Blinking more and more constantly, especially when reading or using electronic devices, will facilitate the natural hydration of the eye and prevent the feeling of visual fatigue or dryness.