4 Helpful Ways to Avoid Dry Eyes in Cold Weather

You may need extra care during cold weather to prevent dry eyes.

Tears evaporate more quickly as the humidity drops, since cold air doesn’t hold as much moisture as warm air. The chilly wind may worsen the situation, and the combination of lower humidity levels indoors, cold winds outside, and the use of heaters can contribute to the evaporation of the thin layer of tears that normally coat the surface of your eyes. A gritty feeling, discomfort, or even blurry eyesight might result from these winter conditions. 

Even though your eyes may well up with tears as though something were inside them, these tears are insufficient to provide long-term hydration. There are ways to protect your eyes throughout the winter. You may require over-the-counter (OTC) eyedrops, lifestyle changes, or other treatments. Your eye doctor can help you determine the best course of action.

Consider the following recommendations to avoid dry eyes:

1. Use Eyedrops

OTC eyedrops may be the first thing your eye doctor suggests in preventing dry eyes. Eyedrops can provide the “artificial tears” you need if your symptoms are not too severe. There are different types of eyedrops available, so ask your eye doctor which one is best for your needs. Keep in mind that many eyedrops contain preservatives to prevent bacterial growth in the bottle, which may irritate your eyes. Preservative-free eyedrops, usually sold in single-use vials, are a good option if you use eyedrops multiple times a day. You may also consider using gel or ointment-based artificial tears, but it’s best to apply them right before bed, as they may blur your vision temporarily.

2. Change Your Lifestyle

• Blink more frequently. Your eyes’ moisture content is replenished when you blink. You might blink less if you use screens for extended periods. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, or take a 5-minute break from the screen every hour.

• If you wear contacts, switch to daily disposable lenses or ask your eye doctor about dry-eye lenses. Alternatively, consider wearing glasses.

• Protect your eyes from wind. If regular glasses aren’t enough, try wraparound sunglasses or protective eyewear. Avoid directing heat from heaters or vehicle vents toward your face, as this may cause dry eyes.

• Be aware of medications. Antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines, birth control pills, and other medications may worsen dry eyes. Make sure your eye doctor is aware of all the medications you take, including supplements and vitamins.

• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These, found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, may help your tear glands produce the oily part of tears and reduce inflammation. Ask your eye doctor if omega-3 supplements are right for you.

• Massage and clean your eyelids gently to help the oil in your glands flow more freely.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking more fluids will help keep your body hydrated and support tear production.

If you are traveling to places with dry air, like on an airplane or at high altitudes, talk to your eye doctor about extra precautions to protect your eyes.

3. Try Home Remedies

• Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air, especially while you sleep, can be beneficial. This is particularly helpful if you use a CPAP machine, which can cause dry eyes. A portable humidifier is an alternative to a central system if you want to target specific areas.

• Use a warm compress. To increase blood flow to your meibomian glands (which provide the oily part of tears), apply a warm compress to your eyes for five to ten minutes.

4. Consult Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments are not enough to relieve your symptoms, consult your eye doctor. They will check for other medical conditions that might be causing dry eyes, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune condition that mainly impacts the glands responsible for producing moisture, resulting in dryness in different areas of the body. It is important to keep your eye doctor informed about any other health issues, such as chronic diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, that might worsen dry eyes. This way, they can work with you to manage both your overall health and eye health effectively. 

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates. Our eye doctors give good eye care to people in Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and other nearby towns. 

Contact us:

Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL

815-477-4053  

Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL

847-458-5796