Expert advice on winter eye care

The risk of eye damage is higher in winter compared to other seasons, so experts have said that it is important to take extra care of the eyes during this time.

Professor Dr. Golam Mostafa, Director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, said that the eyes are a very valuable part of the human body. Eyes should be taken care of in all seasons. However, the risk of eye damage is higher in winter compared to other seasons as the humidity in the air is low at this time. This can cause the eyes to dry out and reduce vision.

He said that extra care is needed for dry eye problems as this can cause various discomforts, including burning and irritation. Inability to tolerate light, blurred vision, redness, or the formation of a slippery sticky substance inside and outside the eyes.

This doctor said that by following a few things to keep the eyes safe from these problems, relief can be obtained. He said that the eyes should always be kept clean. Dust should not be allowed to accumulate in the eyes. Along with this, the eyes should be washed with cold water after coming from outside. Many people have a habit of rubbing their eyes with their hands. Therefore, this habit should be avoided. Because this habit has the potential to damage the lens or cornea of ​​the eye.

"This problem can increase in winter." So, he advised to be careful. The problem of dry eyes increases due to lack of water in the body. Therefore, he advised to always drink more water and have soup to keep the eyes moist.

However, using contact lenses with dry eyes can increase eye problems. Therefore, contact lenses should not be worn for more than 5-6 hours a day. "It is better not to keep your eyes on the computer or laptop screen for a long time," he said.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, eminent ophthalmologist Professor Dr. Md. Sharfuddin Ahmed said, blindness including vision defects is a major public health problem. The national survey has revealed that one percent of the country is blind. Along with this, 19 percent of the people are suffering from vision defects for some reasons. This information has been revealed in the latest national blindness survey.

He said that the Center for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) conducted a nationwide blindness survey in 2020. Omega-rich foods are very beneficial for the eyes of those suffering from dry eyes. Because these foods produce more aqueous substances. Oily fish in the sea are rich in omega.

Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed emphasized the use of sunglasses or dark glasses in winter. He said that sunglasses are not only for summer, but glasses are also important in winter. Because in winter, ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause serious damage to the eyes. "If you have dry eye problems, you should use eye drops on the advice of a doctor."

He advised those who have a habit of smoking to reduce smoking as smoking directly affects dry eyes.

The former VC also said that the eyes are sensitive organs in the human body. Eye diseases can also occur due to vitamin deficiency. Therefore, eye diseases can be prevented by consuming nutritious foods. He said that the importance of vitamin A-rich foods for the eyes is immense. Eggs, beef liver, ghee, butter are good sources of vitamin A. Milk and yogurt also contain a lot of vitamin A and Zinc. Zinc acts as a supporting force to deliver vitamin A molecules from the liver to the retina of the eye.

"Carrots and sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene and antioxidants along with vitamin A. These two ingredients are said to help keep our eyes healthy. People of all ages can eat carrots and milk regularly."