While there is an increase in eye diseases in parallel with the increase in flu infections in the winter months, experts warn citizens to be careful in this regard.
Providing information about common eye problems in winter, Medicana Bursa Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Adnan İpçioğlu said, “One of the problems that cause discomfort to our patients in winter is dry eye. Although the weather is rainy and snowy in winter, the air is quite dry due to low humidity. In addition, heating radiators burning throughout the winter, working air conditioners, indoor environments that are not sufficiently ventilated cause these effects to increase even more. Professionals who work in front of a computer for a long time are especially at risk for dry eye disease. Because in situations that require long-term concentration, the number of blinks in people decreases and the eyes dry out more quickly. In dry eye, which manifests itself as stinging, watering and redness in the eyes, our recommendations to patients are to moisturize the working environment, blink more often in front of the computer and use tear drops recommended by the ophthalmologist.”
Expressing that another problem is the problem called conjunctivitis, which starts with watering, redness and burring in the eye, İpçioğlu said, “In parallel with the increase in virus-related diseases in the winter months, the incidence of viral conjunctivitis increases, especially during periods when flu infections increase. Public living areas are at risk in this respect. The disease causes complaints in the form of redness, watering, burring and increased sensitivity to light. It usually starts in one eye and then symptoms appear in the other eye. It is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as it can reduce vision by affecting the transparent layer of the eye called the cornea. In order to prevent the disease, it is especially important not to rub and scratch the eyes too much, not to use someone else's towels, make-up and similar personal belongings, to avoid close contact with people with such symptoms and to pay attention to hand hygiene.”
Stating that ultraviolet rays also have eye risks, Op. Dr. Adnan İpçioğlu said, “The low temperature in winter does not mean that the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays are less. The glare and reflections caused by snow in winter increase these effects even more. For this reason, children who tend to spend long periods of time outdoors, outdoor workers and those who do snow sports are at risk. Age-related cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, pterygium, and skin cancers around the eyes are some of the eye diseases related to sunlight.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241031AW319358