Dry Eye Relief in Winter: Strategies to Combat Cold-Weather Discomfort

Dry eye is common throughout the year, but wintertime is a prime season for the symptoms to occur. In this guide, our team at Vision Plus in San Antonio shares a few tips to help alleviate these symptoms.

Prevent Dry Air Indoors 

You can’t control the weather, but you can manage your indoor environment. Using a humidifier in your home and office can help provide your eyes with the moisture they need.

Avoid Direct Heat 

Yes, it’s cold, and you want to feel the wonderful heat that your heaters provide. However, allowing it to blow directly into your face can dry out your eyes.

Protect Your Eyes Outdoors 

The outdoor atmosphere can be extremely dry and windy, potentially affecting eye health. Ensure that you wear sunglasses or other eye protection when you go outside. Wraparound sunglasses are often the best choice for winter eye care.

Use Eyedrops 

Over-the-counter eyedrops can help replace the moisture that the atmosphere strips away. Keep them with you wherever you go and use them before your eyes begin to feel dry.

Don’t Forget to Blink 

Most people spend more time indoors in the winter, which can be a wise move. However, this often leads to more screen time. As we tend to blink less frequently when using digital devices, this additional screen time can result in dry eyes. Be sure to blink consistently and take a break to look away from your screen about every 20 minutes.

Stay Hydrated 

You can enhance the moisture in your eyes by keeping your body hydrated. Aim to drink water at least every 30 minutes. Consider setting a reminder on your phone.

Use Warm Compresses 

Warm compresses can feel great on the eyes and help them relax. Additionally, they can assist your eyes in producing more oil, which helps keep them moisturized.

Don’t Overlook Eye Health 

Winter weather isn’t the only factor that can dry out your eyes. Medications, various eye conditions, and other factors can play a role. Schedule eye exams with an optometrist near you for your whole family to ensure that everyone’s eye health is up to par.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam with Our Eye Doctor

Take control of your eye health by scheduling an appointment with our team at Vision Plus. Call (210) 520-6353. If you’re not in or around the San Antonio area, search for an experienced optometrist near you.