As the winter chill sets in, many of us embrace the cozy comforts of the season—warm blankets, hot cocoa, and crackling fires. However, the colder months also bring along a less pleasant companion: dry eyes. If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling irritated, scratchy, or overly sensitive lately, you’re not alone.

Winter dry eyes is a common issue, and understanding the causes and implementing preventive measures can make a significant difference if you suffer when the seasons change.

 

Why do our eyes become dry in the winter? 

The winter environment, characterized by a mix of humidity and temperate levels, more time spent indoors, and battling winds when we do venture outside, creates the perfect storm for dry eyes.

Indoor heating systems. Central heating systems can create a dry indoor environment, reducing the natural humidity essential for maintaining eye moisture.

Cold winds. Exposing your eyes to chilly winter winds can strip away the tear film, leaving your eyes susceptible to dryness and irritation.

Reduced blinking. Cold weather often leads to reduced blinking, as we tend to stare more intently at screens or squint against the wind. Blinking is crucial for spreading the tear film evenly across the eyes.

Low humidity. Winter air tends to be drier, with lower humidity levels. This lack of moisture can impact the tear film’s stability and lead to dry eyes.

UV radiation. Snow reflects a significant amount of UV radiation. Without proper eye protection, prolonged exposure can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

 

How can you prevent dry eyes?

Preventing dry eyes in the winter is not just about avoiding short-term discomfort. Prolonged exposure to dry conditions can contribute to more severe complications, including corneal damage and an increased risk of eye infections. Adequate eye lubrication is essential for maintaining clear vision, protecting the ocular surface, and ensuring the overall health of the eyes. Consider these tips to help keep your eyes from becoming too dry.

Stay hydrated. Winter may not bring the same thirst as summer, but maintaining proper hydration is crucial for your overall well-being, including your eye health. Adequate hydration supports tear production, keeping your eyes lubricated and comfortable. Keep in mind that some medications like diuretics and antihistamines can deplete water from your system, so increase your hydration to counteract those effects.

Use a humidifier. Indoor heating systems may keep you warm, but they also deplete the moisture from the air, leaving your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable. Combat this by placing a humidifier in your living or working space to restore the much-needed moisture to the environment.

Blink regularly. During winter activities or prolonged screen time, remember to blink regularly. Blinking helps distribute tears evenly across the surface of the eyes, reducing dryness and discomfort.

Wear protective eyewear. Step outside, and the winter winds can further exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Protect your eyes with sunglasses to shield them from the harsh wind, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.

 

Treating dry eyes

Despite taking protective steps throughout the season, many of us will still battle dry eyes at some point. Incorporating one or more of these simple at-home remedies can provide relief.  

Artificial tears. Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide relief. These drops supplement natural tears, adding moisture to the eyes and alleviating dry eye symptoms.

Warm compresses. Applying a warm compress over closed eyelids can stimulate tear production. This simple technique is easy to incorporate into your daily routine, providing soothing relief.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. These essential fatty acids support tear production and contribute to overall eye health.

 

When to see your eye doctor

If at-home treatments don’t improve symptoms, contact us to make an appointment for an exam.  It can help determine if an underlying medical condition like an allergy, Sjögren’s Syndrome, or a vitamin A deficiency may be to blame. Your doctor can also go over prescription medications that may help relieve symptoms.

Call 319-362-3937 or use this form to request an appointment today.