Sudden cold can cut blood to eyes, causing blindnessBy Hou Chia-yu and Esme Yeh / Staff reportersSuddenly blurred vision might be a symptom of eye stroke caused by restricted blood flow, or vasoconstriction, from low temperatures during cold weather, a doctor warned as he called on people with chronic disease or nearsightedness to be careful. Winter is a high-risk period for eye stroke, especially for older people and people with “three highs” — high levels of blood lipids, blood sugar or blood pressure — as cold weather can aggravate vasoconstriction, she said. Photo: Lin Huei-chin, Taipei TimesPeople with severe nearsightedness should be careful as they are more prone to detached retinas, which could be complicated by eye stroke, Chang said. Separately, many people recently sought medical attention for dry eyes or foreign body sensation in eyes, she said. Eye problems are intertwined with weather, environments and lifestyle, she said, calling on people to stay aware of changes in vision and continued discomfort in eyes during cold seasons.

Source: Taipei Times February 07, 2026 17:15 UTC