Tips for Managing Dry Eye in the Winter

Most people tend to link winter weather to dry, itchy skin. Unfortunately, many do not know that cold season can have similar negative effects on their eyes. Winter dry eye can become a serious long-term issue that can affect the health of your eyes.

 

What Is Dry Eye?

In a healthy eye, a tear film spreads out over the eye each time you blink. This ensures that you have well-moisturized and healthy eyes. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears to protect and moisturize your eyes. You may also experience this condition if your eyes produce poor-quality tears.

 

Symptoms

• Itchy eyes
   

• Red eyes
   

• Light sensitivity
   

• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
   

• Foreign body sensation
   

• Eye fatigue
   

• Blurry vision
  
   

Causes

This condition may result from several different underlying medical conditions. These include inflammation in the eye or a thyroid disorder. Certain weather conditions can also cause you to experience dry eyes. Chronic dry eye may result from the natural aging process or after undergoing certain eye procedures, such as LASIK.

 

How to Manage Winter Dry Eye

You need to understand that your environment can cause your eyes to dry out. If you spend time in dry, windy, cold, or smoky climates, you may experience symptoms of dry eyes. During the winter season, you need to take special eye care precautions to prevent or manage dry eyes. Some of these include:

 

Get a Winter Eye Exam

If you notice symptoms of dry eyes developing during the winter season, you should check in with your eye doctor. You do not want the symptoms to worsen. Some of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be quite similar to those of other eye conditions. This is the reason it is important to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

 

Blink Often

When you blink, your eyelids spread tears over your eyes, thereby keeping them lubricated and healthy.

 

Avoid Direct Heat

In the cold winter months, people turn on the heat to stay warm. But whether you are at home, work, or in your car, you should avoid the direct flow of heat into your eyes to prevent them from drying out. Instead, point your heat source away from your face.

 

Use a Humidifier

Since you use heat to keep you warm during the winter season, you should consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to your indoor air. Available in a wide range of sizes, you can find a humidifier that will fit conveniently in your home or office. Using one will prevent your eyes from drying.

 

Use Eye Drops

There is a wide range of eve drops that claim to help keep eyes moisturized for hours. However, choosing the right product can be quite challenging. So before buying over-the-counter eye drops and using them, you should consult your doctor. He/she will help you choose the best one for your condition.

 

Consume the Right Foods

During the winter months, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can help your eyes produce higher-quality tears. Also, eating well will improve your long-term eye health.


 

For more on dry eye disease, visit Eye Care North at our office in Cave Creek, Arizona. You can call 480-781-4446 today to schedule an appointment.