You Don’t Have to Suffer From Winter Eyes
In addition to our skin and our hair , winter can also take a toll on our eyes—and for many of the same reasons. When it’s cold outside, we want to spend more time inside, where it’s warm and dry. Unfortunately, these warm and dry conditions tend to cause dry and irritated eyes.
But then, if we go outside and it’s windy and/or cold outside, our eyes may start to water, but somehow stay dry. Indeed, it is not ideal. Here’s what you need to know about winter dry eye syndrome, including the symptoms to look out for and how to treat it.
What is winter dry eye?
“Dry eye” not only describes what you’re experiencing, it’s also the name of the condition. Dry eye can occur at any time of the year, as it is the result of poor tear production or quality, but according to Marissa K. Losey, OD, professor at the University of Alabama in the Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology , it tends to get worse. in winter.
“On average, humidity drops in the winter with colder weather,” explains Losey . “Also, most people turn on the heat in their homes or offices to fight the cold. So you get lower humidity on the outside and even lower humidity on the inside, creating warm and dry conditions where moisture can evaporate from the eyes faster than normal.”
What are the symptoms of winter dry eyes?
Symptoms of winter dry eye tend to occur in both eyes and worsen in people who wear contact lenses. According to the Mayo Clinic , these symptoms may include:
- Stinging, burning, gritty, or scraping sensation in the eyes
- watery eyes
- eye redness
- Viscous mucus in or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
How to treat winter dry eyes
The bad news is that there is no cure for dry eyes. But the good news is that there are different ways to manage this condition, including:
- Using a humidifier in your home
- Maintaining dehydration
- Eye protection outdoors (wind, cold air, sunlight, etc.)
- Use of artificial tears or other over-the-counter eye drops as needed.
But if you’ve already tried all of the above and continue to experience dry eyes for a long period of time, it’s time to see a doctor . They can assess the situation and either recommend other treatment options or refer you to a specialist.