Winter brings colder temperatures, shorter days, and increased reliance on indoor heating. For many people living with dry eye disease, this season also brings worsening symptoms such as burning, irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and fluctuating vision.

Seasonal dry eye flare-ups are common and well documented in the medical literature. Understanding why dry eye gets worse in winter and how to manage it can help you stay comfortable and protect your eye health throughout the colder months.

Why Dry Eye Symptoms Flare in Winter

Dry eye disease occurs when the tear film becomes unstable, leading to increased evaporation and inflammation of the ocular surface. Environmental factors play a major role in this process, particularly during winter.

Low Humidity Increases Tear Evaporation

Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air. As humidity levels drop, tears evaporate more quickly from the surface of the eye. Studies show that low environmental humidity significantly destabilizes the tear film, especially in individuals with pre-existing dry eye disease (Duarte et al., 2026).

Indoor Heating Worsens Ocular Dryness

Indoor heating systems further reduce relative humidity inside homes and workplaces. This dry indoor air accelerates tear evaporation and increases ocular surface stress, making dry eye symptoms more noticeable during winter months (Duarte et al., 2026).

Cold Wind and Outdoor Exposure

Exposure to cold temperatures and wind strips moisture from the tear film. Wind shortens tear break-up time and leaves the ocular surface more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation (Duarte et al., 2026).

Increased Inflammation from Environmental Stressors

Winter conditions are also associated with increased exposure to airborne pollutants and environmental irritants. These factors can disrupt tear film balance and worsen inflammation in people with dry eye disease (Duarte et al., 2026).

7 Evidence-Based Ways to Find Real Relief from Winter Dry Eye

Managing dry eye in winter requires a multifaceted approach that supports tear production, tear stability, and ocular surface health.

1. Use Lubricating Eye Drops 

Preservative-free artificial tears help supplement the natural tear film, reduce friction, and improve daily comfort. Regular use has been shown to protect the ocular surface and relieve symptoms in patients with dry eye disease (Shahraki et al., 2024).

Many patients benefit from options such as Optase HYLO Relief, Freshkote PF drops or Oasis Tears PF Plus, which are designed to be gentle enough for frequent daily use.

2. Maintain Daily Eyelid Hygiene

Poor eyelid hygiene can lead to blocked glands, bacterial overgrowth, and chronic inflammation. Daily lid cleansing removes debris and supports healthier tear film production. Clinical reviews emphasize eyelid hygiene as an essential component of dry eye management (Shahraki et al., 2024).

Using a gentle cleanser like Zocufoam or the WE LOVE EYES Tea Tree Water Eyelid Foaming Cleanser can help keep the eyelid margins clean while respecting sensitive eyes.

3. Apply Warm Compress Therapy

Warm compresses improve meibomian gland function by melting thickened oils that contribute to tear evaporation. Heat therapy supports the lipid layer of the tear film and is considered a first-line treatment for evaporative dry eye disease (Di Zazzo et al., 2024; Nichols et al., 2022).

Consistent use of a quality warm compress or mask, such as the Blinkjoy Hydrating Sleep Mask, Bruder Eye Compress, or the Blinkjoy Moisture Retaining mask, can help improve tear stability and reduce dryness over time.

4. Increase Indoor Humidity

Using a humidifier at home or work helps slow tear evaporation by increasing ambient moisture. Studies show that improving indoor humidity can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms in low-humidity environments (Duarte et al., 2026).

5. Protect Your Eyes Outdoors

Wearing wraparound sunglasses or protective eyewear helps shield the eyes from cold wind and environmental exposure. This simple step can preserve tear film stability during outdoor winter activities.

6. Blink More and Manage Screen Time

Prolonged screen use reduces blink rate, which increases tear evaporation and worsens dry eye symptoms. Conscious blinking and regular screen breaks help redistribute tears evenly across the ocular surface (Nichols et al., 2022).

7. Support Eye Health with Hydration and Nutrition

Adequate hydration supports tear production, while omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. Nutritional support is increasingly recognized as part of comprehensive dry eye care (Shahraki et al., 2024).

Omega-3 supplements, like the PRN De3 Dry Eye Omega Benefits® may help support overall eye health and can play a role in easing dry eye symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Care

If symptoms persist despite consistent at-home care, or if you experience eye pain, increasing redness, or changes in vision, it is important to consult an eye care professional. Untreated dry eye disease can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the ocular surface.

Conclusion

Winter dry eye is common, predictable, and manageable. By understanding environmental triggers and using evidence-based strategies such as preservative-free eye drops, warm compress therapy, and daily eyelid hygiene, you can reduce symptoms and protect your eye health throughout the colder months.

References

Duarte, B., Xavier, E., Caputo Nunes, H., Barquilha, C., Risso, M. A., & Alves, M. (2026). Environmental drivers of dry eye disease: A narrative review of pollutants, climate, and indoor exposures with practice recommendations. Ophthalmology and Therapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-025-01297-7

Di Zazzo, A., Barabino, S., Fasciani, R., Aragona, P., Giannaccare, G., Villani, E., & Rolando, M. (2024). One soul and several faces of evaporative dry eye disease. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(5), 1220. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051220

Nichols, J. J., et al. (2022). Management strategies for evaporative dry eye disease. Optometry and Vision Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/02713683.2022.2039205

Shahraki, T., Baradaran-Rafii, A., Ayyala, R., Arabi, A., Jarstad, J., & Memar, F. (2024). New advances in medical management of dry eye: Optimizing treatment strategies for enhanced relief. International Ophthalmology, 44, Article 49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-024-02978-1