AS the icy winter weather sets in, a local optician is advising residents on how to protect their eyes.

The harsh effects of cold winds and central heating can often leave eyes feeling dry, gritty and bloodshot.

And Salma Kamaluddin, store director at Northwich Specsavers in High Street, is offering a few helpful tips and facts which will help prevent eye soreness.

Reducing the setting on your central heating, avoiding car heaters, especially at face level, and sitting away from direct heat such as gas or electric heaters are just a few ways of reducing the irritation of dry eyes this winter.

The gritty sensation and dryness we sometimes experienced in our eyes during the winter months can also be made worse by dehydration.

Salma Kamaluddin said: "While we all enjoy a hot drink at this time of year, cut back on the coffee and drink more water. Additionally, using eye drops can add extra lubrication to dry eyes.

"The term ‘dry eye’ is used when the oil content of the tears doesn’t efficiently lubricate the eye. People with dry eyes often have plenty of watery tears so adding eye drops may seem to not make sense but it’s actually a vital contribution to the oil content of the tears."

For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/northwich