As the colder months set in, many people notice their eyes becoming irritated, gritty, or uncomfortable. If your dry eye symptoms seem worse in winter, you are not imagining it. In fact, winter creates the perfect conditions for dry eye disease to flare up. Understanding why this happens is the first step towards protecting your eye health and staying comfortable all season long.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping the eyes lubricated, comfortable, and protected from infection. However, when this balance is disrupted, symptoms such as stinging, redness, blurred vision, and a persistent dry sensation can develop.
Although dry eye can affect people at any time of year, winter often intensifies these symptoms significantly.
Cold Air & Low Humidity
One of the biggest contributors to winter dry eye is the cold, dry air. During winter, humidity levels drop both outdoors and indoors. As a result, moisture evaporates more quickly from the surface of your eyes.
Additionally, cold winds can directly irritate the eyes, stripping away the tear film that normally protects them. Consequently, even a short walk outside on a chilly day can leave your eyes feeling sore and tired.
Indoor Heating Makes Dry Eyes Worse
While central heating keeps us warm, it also dries out the air inside homes, offices, and cars. Unfortunately, this artificial heat reduces humidity even further, encouraging tears to evaporate faster than normal.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to heated environments can cause ongoing irritation throughout the day. If you work in an office or spend long hours indoors, your eyes may struggle to stay hydrated without extra support.
Increased Screen Time During Winter
Winter often means shorter days and more time spent indoors. Naturally, this leads to increased screen use, whether for work, streaming, or scrolling on mobile devices. However, staring at screens reduces how often we blink.
When blinking slows down, tears are not spread evenly across the eyes. As a result, dryness and discomfort quickly follow. Over time, this habit can significantly worsen dry eye symptoms.
Seasonal Illness & Medications
Winter colds, flu, and allergies can also play a role. Antihistamines, decongestants, and some cold remedies may reduce tear production as a side effect. While these medications are helpful for managing symptoms, they can unfortunately leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated.
How To Prevent Dry Eyes In Winter
Thankfully, there are several practical steps you can take to protect your eyes during winter.
Firstly, consider using a humidifier at home or work to restore moisture to the air. This small change can make a noticeable difference. Secondly, remember to blink regularly, especially when using screens, and follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a break.
In addition, wearing wraparound glasses outdoors can shield your eyes from cold winds. Staying well hydrated and using preservative-free lubricating eye drops can also help maintain a healthy tear film.
Finally, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek professional advice rather than relying solely on over-the-counter solutions.
When To Seek Expert Dry Eye Care
If dry eye symptoms are affecting your daily life, a professional assessment is key. A specialist dry eye clinic can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend targeted treatments, rather than temporary relief.
Modern dry eye care may include advanced diagnostic testing, tailored treatment plans, and long-term management strategies designed to restore comfort and protect your vision.
Looking For A Dry Eye Clinic In Devon Or Cornwall?
If you are in Devon or Cornwall and looking for expert help with dry eyes, Huxter and Davy is an excellent choice. As a professional and friendly clinic, we specialise in dry eye care and take the time to understand your individual needs. Additionally, our experienced team will be happy to help you find effective, long-lasting relief so you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision all year round.
Book a consultation with Huxter and Davy today and take the first step towards healthier eyes.
