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As the winter season arrives, many people start to experience discomfort in their eyes. Dry eyes, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears, can become more common during this time of year. The cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating systems all contribute to these issues. If you’re someone who experiences dry, itchy, or burning eyes in winter, you’re not alone. Understanding what triggers dry eyes during the winter season can help you take steps to prevent and manage this uncomfortable condition.
Let’s dive into the 10 common triggers of dry eyes during the winter and what you can do to protect your eyes.
1. Cold, Dry Air
Winter air tends to be colder and drier than the air in other seasons. This can cause moisture in your eyes to evaporate more quickly, leaving them feeling dry and irritated. The low humidity levels outdoors are one of the most significant causes of dry eyes in winter.
What you can do: Wear protective glasses like sunglasses or goggles outdoors to shield your eyes from the dry air. You can also try using a humidifier indoors to maintain moisture in the air.
2. Indoor Heating Systems
When it’s cold outside, we turn on the heating inside our homes and offices to stay warm. However, indoor heaters tend to reduce the moisture in the air, making the environment drier, which can exacerbate dry eyes. This lack of humidity can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly.
What you can do: Place a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, especially near your work or sleep area. This will help add moisture to the air and keep your eyes comfortable.
3. Wind Exposure
The winter winds can be harsh, especially if you live in an area where wind chills are common. Wind can cause your tears to evaporate rapidly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated. It can also directly irritate the surface of your eyes, causing discomfort.
What you can do: Always wear protective eyewear, such as wrap-around sunglasses or windproof goggles, to shield your eyes from the wind when you’re outside.
4. Dehydration
In the winter, people often forget to drink enough water because they don’t feel as thirsty as in the hotter months. Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, as your body may not produce enough tears if you’re not adequately hydrated.
What you can do: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even when you’re not feeling thirsty. Keeping your body hydrated will support tear production and help reduce dry eye symptoms.
5. Hot Showers
Many people enjoy taking hot showers during the winter, but the steam and heat can dry out your skin, including the delicate skin around your eyes. The hot water can also evaporate moisture from your eyes, leading to dryness.
What you can do: Keep showers at a lukewarm temperature instead of very hot, and avoid having the steam directly hit your face. You can also apply a moisturizing eye drop after a shower to lock in moisture.
6. Screen Time and Digital Devices
During winter, many people tend to spend more time indoors, often staring at screens for extended periods. Whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment, too much screen time can reduce the frequency of blinking, leading to less tear production and increased evaporation. This can aggravate dry eye symptoms.
What you can do: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to give your eyes a rest. Also, remember to blink more often while using your devices.
7. Contact Lenses
Cold weather can make wearing contact lenses more uncomfortable. When your eyes are dry, contacts can absorb moisture from the surface of your eyes, making them feel even drier and more irritated. This is especially true if you’re in an environment with low humidity.
What you can do: If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to daily disposable lenses or using lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers to keep your eyes moist. If dry eyes persist, speak with your eye doctor about alternatives.
8. Reduced Outdoor Activity
During winter, people often spend more time indoors due to the cold weather. Reduced outdoor activity can lead to less exposure to natural sunlight, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and tear production. Additionally, staying indoors with poor air quality or heating systems can further dry out your eyes.
What you can do: If possible, try to go outside even during the winter months. A short walk can help your eyes stay lubricated. Also, take breaks from indoor air-conditioned spaces to help your eyes recover from prolonged dryness.
9. Seasonal Allergies
While many associate allergies with spring and summer, winter allergies can also trigger dry eyes. Dust, mold, and other allergens can irritate your eyes and cause them to become dry, itchy, and red. Additionally, indoor heating can circulate dust, which worsens the issue.
What you can do: Keep your living space clean by dusting regularly and using air purifiers. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider taking antihistamines and use eye drops that help relieve allergy-related symptoms.
10. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and even some antidepressants, can cause dry eyes as a side effect. During the winter months, when people are more likely to take these medications to manage cold or flu symptoms, the risk of experiencing dry eyes increases.
What you can do: If you’re taking medications and experiencing dry eye symptoms, speak with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage, suggest alternatives, or recommend lubricating eye drops to help manage your symptoms.
Conclusion: Protect Your Eyes This Winter
Dry eyes during the winter season can be a nuisance, but understanding the common triggers can help you take proactive steps to reduce discomfort. By staying hydrated, protecting your eyes from the elements, and maintaining moisture in your environment, you can alleviate many of the common causes of dry eyes.
If you suffer from persistent dry eye symptoms or if these tips don’t seem to be helping, it’s important to consult our best ophthalmologists at Continental Hospitals.
