Managing Dry Eye during the Winter

Everything is drier during the winter time. If you generally don’t suffer from eye ailments but find that your eyes tend to be drier and more irritable in the winter, don’t fret, it’s normal. Proper treatment can help alleviate your eyes, so be sure to take the necessary precautions and follow your doctor’s recommendations!

Winter is peak season for those of us suffering from dry eye disease mainly because cold and dry air exacerbates dry eyes. Therefore, dry eye symptoms are their worst during the coldest season. The most frustrating part of all of this is that you can’t even escape dry eye by stepping into the comfort of your warm, cozy home! Indoor heating is even more aggravating on the eyes than the cool outdoor air. Furnaces dry out the air inside of our homes, irritating our eyes even more.

Moreover, winter is accompanied by the joys of cold and flu season. Did you know that taking decongestants and over-the-counter medication makes dry eye worse?

If you haven’t become completely desperate and are still reading this, we want you to know that there’s still hope despite all of this!

Tips on Managing Dry Eye during Winter

Get a humidifier for the house: this helps add moisture to the air, making it easier on the eyes.
Wear eye protection outdoors to shield your eyes from the harsh climate and prevent moisture loss.
Keep hydrated with lots of fluids to maintain eye moisture.
Increase tear production with eyedrops & Omega 3 supplements.
Use your eyeglasses more frequently than your lenses (especially for screen time).

Who is susceptible to dry eye?

Age, gender, certain medical conditions and medications are all linked to dry eye. It is not uncommon for those over the age of 50 suffer from dry eye symptoms or dry eye disease. Other factors such as eye makeup, longtime use of contact lenses and digital eye strain can also contribute to dry eye.

Take away

Each season comes with its challenges when it comes to confronting dry eye. If we’re aware of how changes in our environment affect our eyes, then we can take the necessary precautions during each season! Don’t suffer in silence, book an appointment with your doctor if your eyes are irritated. Winter is beautiful despite the challenges it comes with, go out and enjoy it while it’s here!