Winter is beautiful, but it’s also a time of dry, cold air. This time of year, many people notice their eyes begin feeling drier than usual. This leads to a constant stinging and burning sensation that just won’t seem to go away. So how can you manage dry eyes in winter?
It helps to make some adjustments to your immediate surroundings. Use a humidifier, aim fans away from your face, and avoid harsh winds and air. It also helps to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. This gives your eyes the nutrients needed to protect themselves.
What Causes Dry Eyes in Winter?
Your eyes protect themselves with a thin layer of tears. These tears consist of water, oil, and mucus. They’re responsible for protecting your eyes against the outside world and keeping your vision comfortable. When this tear layer is unbalanced, it leaves the eye exposed. This is a condition called dry eyes.
During the winter months, cold air from outside meets heated indoor air. This temperature change can cause low humidity levels indoors, resulting in drier air. Your eyes need to work harder to protect themselves, and if they struggle to make enough tears, this can cause inflammation.
This is made much worse when exposed to extreme winds or harsh environments—also staples of the wintertime. These can worsen the irritation from dry eyes and cause further discomfort.
How to Recognize Dry Eye Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of dry eyes can sometimes be tricky. The symptoms can vary depending on the specific underlying cause of the condition. However, there is one tell-tale symptom—a persistent burning irritation on the eye’s surface.
You should also keep an eye out for:
- Redness and persistent inflammation
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
This isn’t just inconvenient—it can make almost every part of your day harder. And when you’re exposed to drier air or extreme winds, these symptoms become much worse. So how can you treat dry eyes in the winter?
How to Prevent Dry Eyes in the Winter
Treating wintertime dry eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. It involves finding the underlying cause of your condition and making small changes here and there. This helps prevent the condition from developing in the first place.
Start by using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. This can significantly reduce dryness and make your living space more comfortable for your eyes. It also helps to make sure you’re staying hydrated—your eyes need water to produce a healthy tear film.
It also helps to:
- Wear wraparound sunglasses or goggles when outside to protect your eyes from wind.
- Apply a warm compress to your eyes to help stimulate tear production.
- Use artificial tears or eye drops to provide additional moisture throughout the day.
- Avoid overly heated areas and opt for using blankets instead to keep warm.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These simple changes can be an excellent approach to preventing dry eyes. They’re about preserving a healthy tear film and making your environment more comfortable. These habits support overall eye health and make it much easier for your eyes to protect themselves.
How to Treat Dry Eyes
So what if you’re already dealing with wintertime dry eyes? If this is the case, make sure to visit your optometrist as soon as you can. They’ll likely recommend something called “dry eye therapy.”
Dry eye therapy is a tailored approach that addresses the underlying cause of your dry eyes. It focuses on helping you find lasting relief through several different approaches.
Here at Old South Optometry, we often recommend:
- Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops. You can use these as recommended to find temporary relief by stimulating your natural tear production.
- Omega-3 supplements. These are an essential anti-inflammatory supplement that helps support healthy tear production.
- Therapeutic heat masks. These help maintain moisture in and around the eyes and stimulate the area through warmth.
- Punctal plugs. These are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to keep tears from draining too quickly.
Our team will work with you to find a treatment that meets your individual needs. You deserve relief, and we’re here to help.
Find Relief from Winter Dry Eyes
Winter doesn’t have to mean discomfort from dry eyes. Through a proactive approach and professional support, you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision all season long. Here at Old South Optometry, our team is ready to help!
Whether you’re looking to learn about preventive measures or find relief from your dry eyes, our team is here for you. Book an appointment with our team today, and let’s work together to keep your eyes comfortable this winter. You deserve it!
