Winter can be beautiful, but cold temperatures, dry indoor air, and harsh winds can take a toll on your eyes. If you experience dry, itchy, irritated, or watery eyes during winter, you’re not alone. Winter dry eye is a common concern and can make everyday activities from working at a computer to enjoying outdoor activities less comfortable.
At Focal Pointe Eyecare, we offer a Dry Eye Assessment to help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and determine appropriate options for managing dry eye.
Why Does Winter Cause Dry Eyes?
Cold winter air generally contains less moisture than warmer air. When you’re outside, exposure to cold temperatures and wind can cause the tear film covering your eyes to evaporate more quickly. This can contribute to the uncomfortable symptoms associated with dry eyes in winter.
Indoor environments can also play a role. Furnaces and heating systems make indoor spaces warm and comfortable, but they can reduce humidity and create dry air. Spending several hours in a heated home, office, or other indoor environment can contribute to increased eye dryness.
Winter activities can add another challenge. Skiing, snowboarding, skating, and other outdoor activities expose your eyes to cold air and wind. Snow can also reflect ultraviolet (UV) light, making sunglasses or protective eyewear especially important on bright winter days.
What Are the Symptoms of Winter Dry Eye?
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to persistent discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Dry or gritty-feeling eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Red or irritated eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Excessive watering
Interestingly, watery eyes can also be a symptom of dry eye. When the surface of the eye becomes irritated, the eyes may produce excess tears as a response. However, these reflex tears may not adequately lubricate the eye.
How Can You Prevent Dry Eyes in Winter?
Fortunately, there are several ways to help protect your eyes during cold weather.
Use a Humidifier
Heating systems can make indoor air particularly dry. Using a humidifier in your home or workspace can add moisture to the air and may help reduce eye irritation.
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Don’t put your sunglasses away just because it’s winter. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from wind, cold air, and UV exposure. Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, and consider wraparound styles when you’re spending time in windy conditions.
Take Breaks From Screens
Computer and phone use can contribute to dry eye because we tend to blink less frequently when concentrating on a screen. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Remembering to blink regularly can also help maintain a healthy tear film.
Consider Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, can provide temporary relief from mild dry eye symptoms. If you find yourself relying on eye drops regularly, it may be worth having your symptoms evaluated by an eye-care professional.
When Should You Have a Dry Eye Assessment?
Occasional winter dryness may improve with simple lifestyle changes. However, persistent dry eye symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If your eyes frequently feel dry, irritated, gritty, watery or if symptoms are interfering with your work, screen time, driving, or other daily activities then it may be time to have your eyes assessed.
At Focal Pointe Eyecare, a Dry Eye Assessment can help evaluate your symptoms and the health of your eyes. Understanding what’s contributing to your dry eye is an important first step toward finding the right approach for managing your symptoms.
Keep Your Eyes Comfortable This Winter
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable eyes. Protecting your eyes from wind and UV exposure, maintaining comfortable indoor humidity, taking regular screen breaks, and staying hydrated can all help support comfortable eyes throughout the winter.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms this winter, don’t simply put up with the discomfort.
Find Out What’s Causing Your Dry Eyes
Persistent dryness, irritation, burning, or watery eyes shouldn’t be something you simply put up with. A Dry Eye Assessment at Focal Pointe Eyecare can help you understand your symptoms and explore options for managing them.