How Winter Air Affects Your Eyes and How to Compensate

Depending on what part of the country you live in, winter weather may mean increased wind, dry air, and more time spent indoors. This may be the perfect recipe for dry eyes.

Dry eyes can occur if your eyes do not produce enough tears to stay wet. Occasional dry eyes may happen to almost everyone. However, some people develop chronic dry eyes, which can lead to significant discomfort and increase the risk of an eye infection. 
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Symptoms of dry eyes can include: 

• Dryness
• A scratchy feeling
• Blurry vision
• Redness
• Burning or stinging

Dry eyes can develop at any time of the year. However, the winter weather in many parts of the country may increase the risk of dry eyes or worsen existing symptoms.

Continue reading to learn how winter weather affects the eyes and steps you can take to combat the effects. 
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Facts on dry eyes

Dry eyes are very common and can affect anyone. According to the National Eye Institute: 

• About 16.4 million people in the United States have dry eyes.
• Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of dry eyes.
• Being over the age of 50 increases your risk of dry eyes.
• Females develop dry eyes more often than males.

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How does winter weather impact dry eyes? 

Your tears are made up of a combination of mucus, fatty oils, and water. Having sufficient tears helps make your eyes more comfortable and protects against infection. During the colder months, low humidity and strong winds may impact tears. For example, the cold can affect the ability to produce tears and how quickly tears evaporate. 
Escaping the blustery weather indoors may also lead to dry eyes. Exposure to dry air inside from cranked-up heaters and fireplaces may also affect the tears.

In addition to weather, winter is typically the cold and flu season. Medications to treat cold symptoms, such as decongestants, may also lead to dry eyes as a side effect.
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Combating increased dry eyes 

There are several ways to combat increased dry eyes that may occur during winter. In many cases, using a combination of the approaches below is beneficial. Consider the following remedies:

Wear sunglasses: You might not typically reach for your shades in the winter, especially on overcast days. However, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from windy, cold conditions.

Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated helps your body work more efficiently, and that includes tear production.

Use warm compresses: Applying a warm washcloth to the eyes can help soothe dryness and reduce discomfort.
Try artificial tears: To keep your eyes moist and reduce symptoms, try using artificial tears. Follow the directions on the packaging or speak to your eye doctor about the frequency of use.

Use a humidifier: Dry heat can cause your tears to evaporate fast leaving you with dryness. A humidifier will help keep the air inside moist and may prevent your tears from drying out as quickly.

Clean your eyelids: Your eyelids contain small oil-producing glands. The oil produced helps ensure that your tears do not evaporate too fast. Cleaning your eyelids every evening may help prevent the oil glands from clogging and keep them healthy and working efficiently.
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When to see a doctor 

Developing dry eye symptoms due to weather changes usually is not serious. You may notice symptoms mostly when you've been outside in cold weather or if you spend time inside in a very warm room. In most cases, the home treatments listed above may help. However, there may be times when it's necessary to see an eye doctor.

Consider seeing an eye doctor in the following situations: 

• Symptoms become severe
• Home treatments do not ease symptoms
• Vision problems such as double vision or blurred vision occur

If you have any questions about dry eyes or available treatments, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.