Tips for dealing with Winter Dry Eye

A very common complaint from our patients during the cooler months is dry eyes. In colder climates, chilly winds and dry air, combined with dry air coming from furnaces and indoor heaters can be a recipe for a winter dry eye disaster. Dryness and irritation can be particularly harsh on those people that wear contact lenses or suffer from chronic dry eyes - a condition in which the eyes do not properly produce tear film.

Hard winter weather conditions can reduce the natural moisture in your eyes and the irritation usually results in a burning, gritty or itching sensation that often leads to rubbing or scratching your eyes which exacerbates symptoms. Sometimes your symptoms make it feel like there is a foreign object in your eye and for some, dry eyes can even cause excessive tearing. Prolonged, untreated dry eyes can lead to blurred vision as well.

Whatever the symptoms may be, dry eyes can cause significant pain and discomfort during the long winters and relief can seriously improve your quality of life and your overall eye health.

Here are six tips to keep your eyes comfortable during the harsh winter months:

1. To keep eyes moist, apply eye drops or artificial tears a few times a day. If you have chronic dry eyes, speak to your eye doctor about the best product for your specific condition.
2. Drink more water - keeping your body properly hydrated will also help maintain the moisture in your eyes.
3. Use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air if you spend a lot of time indoors in heated environments.
4. Reduce eye strain- Staring at a computer or digital device for extended amounts of time can further dry out your eyes. If you spend a lot of time staring at the screen, make sure you blink often and practice the 20/20/20 rule - every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
5. Give your eyes a break and break out your glasses. If your contact lenses are causing further irritation, take a break and wear your glasses for a few days.
6. Protect your eyes. If you know you are going to be heading out into harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or wind, make sure you wear protection. Try large, 100% UV protective eyeglasses and a hat with a visor to keep the wind and particles from getting near your eyes. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, make sure you wear well-fitted ski goggles.

If you find that you are still suffering from Dry Eye Symptoms then you should book a time to see your local eye doctor. It may be that your condition requires medical intervention.