With winter’s chill comes drier air, outdoors and indoors leading to a common yet pesky problem for many: dry eyes. You may notice gritty or burning sensations in your eyes when the temperature drops.
Winter’s cold air and harsh winds can dry out your eyes and cause irritation. Additionally, indoor heating can reduce the moisture in your home and lead to dry eye symptoms.
If your dry eye symptoms persist, your optometrist can help identify and address the root cause to determine targeted treatments.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Tears are a balanced mixture of an inner mucus layer, a middle water layer, and an outer oily layer that work together to hydrate and shield your eyes from irritants.
When this tear film is disrupted, you may notice symptoms like stinging and burning sensations, redness, or even blurred vision.
Common causes of dry eyes include:
- Aging
- Screen time
- Certain medications
- Health conditions
- Environmental conditions
The Link Between Cold Weather and Dry Eyes
Cold Air Outdoors
Winter air is not just cold—it’s dry. When temperatures drop, humidity levels typically fall, too.
Since your tear film requires a delicate balance, your tears may evaporate faster than usual when the surrounding air doesn’t have enough humidity.
If you’re spending time outdoors, the chill of icy winds can exacerbate this effect. Wind can blow dry air directly into your eyes and increase tear evaporation. Prolonged exposure can significantly dehydrate your eyes and lead to lasting symptoms of discomfort.
Indoor Heating
While escaping the cold by heading indoors can feel cozy, indoor heating may actually worsen dry eye symptoms, too.
Heaters can reduce the moisture in the air, creating a warm but dry environment. Central heating, space heaters, and even fireplaces can strip away humidity, leading to a double whammy of dryness indoors.
Reduced Blinking
Have you noticed yourself staying cozy under a blanket binge-watching TV during winter evenings? While you’re engrossed in your screen, you blink less often.
Blinking is crucial for spreading tears evenly over your eyes, and when you forget to blink, your eyes become more prone to drying out.
Combined with the effects of indoor heating and cold air, the reduced blinking caused by screen time becomes a big contributor to winter dry eyes.
Seasonal Allergies & Irritants
Winter isn’t free from allergens. Dust mites, mold, and pet dander are all common culprits of indoor allergies during colder months that can add to your discomfort.
These irritants can trigger inflammation, often interrupting tear production and worsening dry eye symptoms.
Signs Your Dry Eyes Are Linked to Cold Weather
How do you know if cold weather is affecting your eyes? Keep an eye out for these symptoms common during wintertime dry eyes:
- Gritty or sandy sensations in your eyes
- Redness or inflammation
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Sensitivity to wind or light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Especially during colder days, you may notice your eyes become excessively watery. By producing more tears, your body is trying to compensate for the increased tear evaporation.
Tips to Prevent and Relieve Winter Dry Eyes
Winter dry eyes can be managed. Small lifestyle changes and proactive strategies can make all the difference:
- Use a humidifier: It can reintroduce the moisture in the air that heating systems take away. Aim for an indoor humidity level of 30–50% to keep your eyes (and skin!) hydrated.
- Wear eye protection outdoors: When heading outside, particularly on windy days, prevent tear evaporation with wraparound sunglasses or goggles. These create a barrier and keep the moisture locked in.
- Stay hydrated: It sounds simple, but drinking enough water helps your body produce the moisture it needs, including tears. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day, or more if you’re physically active.
- Limit screen time: Give your eyes regular breaks from screens with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes time to rest and refocus.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help replenish moisture during dry winter days. Choose preservative-free options if you’re using them frequently.
- Try omega-3 supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in flaxseed and fish like salmon, can help improve tear quality and support overall eye health.
Sometimes, however, home remedies aren’t enough. If your dry eyes persist or worsen despite your efforts, it’s time to consult your optometrist.
They can recommend specialized treatments tailored to you, like warm compresses, medication, or prescription eye drops depending on your unique situation.
They can also recommend in-office treatments like intense-pulsed light (IPL) or radiofrequency (RF) to target the underlying cause of your dry eye.
Find Relief Today
Winter might bring colder, drier air, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer from the discomfort of dry eyes. Stay hydrated, protect your eyes, and maintain an eye-friendly environment indoors to enjoy the beauty of winter without sacrificing your eye comfort. If you’re dealing with persistent dry eyes and need extra help, schedule a consultation with Village Optical today. Our team is ready to help you find relief with targeted solutions.
