How to Prevent and Manage Dry Eye in Winter

If you live in a cold climate, you know that winter can be tough on your eyes. The dry, cold air can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, and irritated. And if you suffer from dry eye, the winter months can be even tougher.

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This makes wearing contact lenses difficult and can lead to symptoms like redness, itching, burning, and pain. Dry eye is especially common in older adults, but it can affect people of all ages.

While there’s no cure for dry eye, there are things you can do to help prevent and manage the condition. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to prevent and manage dry eye in winter.

What Causes Dry Eye in Winter

There are a few things that can contribute to dry eye in winter:

• The cold, dry air. Winter weather can cause the tears to evaporate more quickly, which can lead to dry eyes.
• Indoor heat. Heating systems can also contribute to dry eye by making the air inside your home or office even drier.
• Wind and snow. If you spend time outdoors in the winter, wind and snow can also cause your tears to evaporate more quickly.

How to Prevent and Manage Dry Eye

There are a few eyecare tips you can do to help prevent and manage dry eye in winter:

Use a Humidifier

A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which can help reduce tear evaporation.

Take Breaks From Screen Time

If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, take breaks every 20 minutes or so to give your eyes a rest. And when you can blink frequently to keep your eyes lubricated.

Wear Sunglasses or Goggles

Sunglasses or goggles can help protect your eyes from the wind and snow. And if you wear contact lenses, be sure to clean them regularly and use eye drops as needed.

Try Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms of dry eye.

How to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms

If you’re already suffering from dry eye and not feeling full relief with artificial tears alone, it’s time to see your optometrist for a full evaluation to see what other treatments are recommended. 

Consult With Six One Six Vision Center

Dry eye can be a nuisance, but there are things you can do to help prevent and manage the condition. If you’re suffering from dry eye, be sure to see Six One Six Vision Center in Eagle, ID for further evaluation and treatment. Call or text us at (208) 514-1858 today to learn more about our eye exams and other general eye care services.