It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas
As the song says “There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow“. The festive season gives us all lots to think about. It’s a time of year when our eyes are exposed to many different and unfamiliar environments.
Oh Baby it’s cold outside
Our eyes are going to be exposed to all kinds of drying environments. The crisp cold air causes evaporation and our eyes are left with a reduced cushion of tears to protect them. This can trigger a reflex telling the lacrimal gland (the eye gland that secretes an aqueous layer of tear film) to produce more tears. The result is more tears that spill from our eyes and onto our cheeks.
If you are spending time out in the cold this festive season, either caroling or playing seasonal songs with your band it will be a good idea to purchase over-the-counter artificial tears such as Hycosan Extra or Thealoz Duo. These products supplement the eyes natural tears and can be used between four and six times a day. Apply a drop of artificial tears before heading out into the cold to help keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable.
Party eyes
Many of us wake up with puffy, bloodshot, irritated eyes the morning after a party. Alcohol is a dehydrating substance, and our eyes are definitely not immune. When we consume large quantities of alcohol, tiny blood vessels on the surface of the white of the eye (called the sclera) get dilated. This causes the red, inflamed appearance. Also heavy drinking depletes the body’s reserve of the nutrients needed for eye health. This can lead to a condition known as alcoholic optic neuritis.
Given that our social calendars are likely to be full until the New Year, most of us are going to be imbibing more alcohol than normal. So keep our simple remedies handy, and learn how to get rid of red eyes.
- Add water to your wine. Many drinkers add water to whiskey, but wine? Some sommeliers believe that adding a splash or two of water can improve the flavour of high-alcohol wines.
- Alternating between an alcoholic beverage and a glass of water will help keep fluid levels up.
- Tomato juice, a celery stick as garnish, and plenty of ice. A Bloody Mary can actually help to maintain hydration. This is one reason it’s known as a hangover’s best friend.
- Avoid cigarette smoke. Smoke can increase eye irritation.
Look after yourself
Most of us don’t give our eyes a second thought during the winter festivities. However, occasionally things don’t always go to plan. The team at Allegro Optical will be on hand should you need us and from 3rd to 22nd December we are providing all eye tests free of charge and 3D OCT Scans for just £10.00
If you would like to keep a check on your eye health call Greenfield on 01457 353100 or Meltham on 01484 907090 and book your eye examination today.
