Winter may bring cozy sweaters and crisp air, but it also comes with a hidden challenge—dry, irritated eyes. Cold outdoor winds combined with heated indoor spaces can quickly strip away the natural moisture your eyes need to stay comfortable. For many people, this seasonal change leads to burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling that just won’t go away.
If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling worse during the colder months, you may be dealing with winter dry eye. Understanding why it happens—and how to prevent it—can help you protect your vision and enjoy the season without discomfort.
What Is Winter Dry Eye?
Winter dry eye is essentially dry eye syndrome triggered or worsened by seasonal conditions. The problem develops when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly because the balance of moisture and oils in your tear film is off. This leaves the eye’s surface exposed and unprotected, causing irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light or wind.
In cold weather, two major factors make things worse: low humidity outside and moisture-zapping indoor heat. Together, they speed up tear evaporation and make it harder for your eyes to stay hydrated. If left untreated, persistent dryness can cause inflammation and, in severe cases, damage the surface of the eye.
Simple Ways to Reduce Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
Even though you can’t change the weather, you can protect your eyes from seasonal dryness with a few smart habits:
- Use a Humidifier Indoors – Adding moisture to the air helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly, especially in heated rooms.
- Apply Warm Compresses – Gentle heat can improve oil gland function in your eyelids, helping your tears stay on the eyes longer.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water each day keeps your body and eyes properly hydrated, reducing irritation.
- Wear Wraparound Sunglasses Outdoors – These block cold winds and shield your eyes from UV rays that can worsen dryness.
- Limit Direct Heat Exposure – Sitting too close to fireplaces, heaters, or vents can quickly dry your eyes, so keep your distance.
- Follow Your Optometrist’s Treatment Plan – For more stubborn symptoms, prescription eye drops or in-office treatments can target the underlying cause of dry eye.
Find Relief This Winter in London
You don’t have to endure irritated, uncomfortable eyes until spring arrives. At Dr. Cheryl Letheren & Associates in London, Ontario, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye with solutions tailored to your specific needs. From advanced in-office procedures to personalized home care strategies, we’ll help you find lasting comfort no matter how cold it gets outside.
Our goal is to protect your eye health and keep your vision clear all year long. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that restores comfort and prevents future flare-ups. Call 519-434-2221 to request an appointment and schedule your winter dry eye consultation.
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