Give your eyes attention over winter period

AS the nights draw in and winter deepens, we may experience some problems with our vision, and find that our eyes need some seasonal care.

Denise Voon Mcoptom, clinical adviser for The College of Optometrists, has some timely advice to help the public protect their vision and eye health this winter:

■ Dry eyes: If you suffer from dry eyes, which may be exacerbated by central heating, lower the temperature in rooms when possible and open windows, even for a few minutes. You can also use a humidifier, or have a bowl of water near the radiator to help humidify the air. Your optometrist or pharmacist will also be able to advise you on suitable moisturising eye drops if you need them.

■ Increased screen time: During the winter, we tend to spend more time indoors, which undoubtedly means more screen time – especially for those who are working from home too. Although there is no evidence to suggest increased time on the computer damages your vision, you may find it tiring to look at a monitor for long periods of time.

■ Playing outside: There is evidence that spending time outdoors could reduce the onset of myopia (short sightedness) in children. So wrap the kids up warm and make sure they have some time playing outside each day.