Eyecare Tips for Watery and Dry Eyes in Winter

Ever notice your eyes feeling scratchy, irritated, or watery as soon as the cold weather hits? You see, winter isn't just rough on your skin. It takes a toll on your eyes too. Between the dry indoor heat, chilly winds, and low humidity, it's no wonder your eyes are begging for relief.

But it’s not just the temperature drop that causes irritation. The combination of dry air inside and harsh weather outside creates the perfect conditions for eye discomfort. Whether it’s dry eyes, redness, or unexpected tears rolling down your cheeks, winter eye issues are more common and serious than most of us realize.

Don’t stress though! Taking care of your eyes during winter is easier than you might think. Let’s take a look at why your eyes feel extra sensitive in the colder months and what are some simple ways to keep them comfortable.    

 

Why Do Our Eyes Suffer More in Winter?

 

Alt: A woman experiencing dry eyes in winter, showing redness and irritation.

Winter is tough on your eyes, with cold air sapping moisture and indoor heating making things even worse. This double hit can leave your eyes struggling to stay hydrated. 

Cold weather can indirectly cause dry eyes. Studies suggest that dry, harsh conditions speed up tear evaporation, leading to gritty and irritated eyes. Additionally, the winter winds can accelerate this process, further aggravating discomfort and irritation. A closer look at this phenomenon reveals why winter can be so tough on your eyes. 

So, if your eyes are already prone to dryness or sensitivity, winter can make the situation worse. The seasonal factors that lead to this discomfort aren't just annoyances; they can also cause long-term damage to your eye health if not properly managed. 

 

Watch Out for These Dry Eyes in Winter Symptoms

 

Alt: Eye with redness indicating symptoms of dry eyes in winter

Winter dry eyes are more than just a seasonal nuisance, they can lead to bigger and more serious issues if overlooked as a minor inconvenience. Look out for these common symptoms of dry eyes in winter: 

Dryness: Winter air dries your eyes, leaving them feeling scratchy and causing a constant, uncomfortable sensation with every blink.

Redness and Other Inflammation: The lack of moisture leads to redness, making your eyes look and feel irritated, and inflamed, only worsening in windy weather.

Blurry Vision: When your eyes lack proper moisture, they can have trouble staying clear, resulting in blurred or inconsistent vision.

Irritation or Burning Sensation: The dry, chilly air combined with wind exposure can lead to a stinging or burning feeling in your eyes, making even routine activities feel uncomfortable.

Normalizing and overlooking dry eyes during winter is not “braving” through the cold, it is a grave mistake. Chronic dry eyes can go on to damage your cornea over time, proving yet again that prevention is indeed always better than cure.

Top Tips for Winter Dry Eye Care

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Omage credit : allaboutvision

Alt: Six ways to treat dry eyes at home like wearing sunglasses, cleaning eyes, artificial tears, humidifier, cold compress, and hydration.

Don’t leave your dry eyes to prayer or chance. Do something about it. Here are a few things you can do to tackle issues like dry eyes, redness, etc:

1. Hydrate Your Eyes: Cold, dry air often leads to dry eyes, especially when moving between warm indoor spaces and chilly outdoor environments. Moisturizing eye drops or lubricating gels can help replenish lost moisture. 
2. Keep Your Home Humid: Indoor heating systems can dry out the air, leaving your eyes feeling parched. Using a humidifier can help maintain optimal moisture levels in the air. Set the humidifier to maintain 30-50% humidity in your home—even a small change can make a noticeable difference in reducing dry eyes in winter.
3. Wear Sunglasses in Cold Weather: Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement in winter, they are more functional than you might think. They don’t just provide protection from the sun but also shield your eyes from harsh wind, glare from snow or ice, and UV rays that remain strong during the colder months. Bonus tip: Polarized sunglasses are particularly effective for reducing glare, especially in snowy environments.
4. Avoid Direct Heat: However tempting to sit close to a space heater, direct heat can dry out your eyes even more. Try to maintain a safe distance from the heater and opt for indirect heat, like a radiator or heated blankets, to avoid intense dryness.
5. Protect Your Eyes from Wind: Protective eyewear with wraparound frames shields your eyes from both wind and cold. Some designs include moisture chambers that help maintain hydration by locking in warmth and moisture. 
6. Blink more:  Did you know blinking moves tears across the lens? The more you blink, the moisture will wash over the eye helping to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. 

Why Do You Get Watery Eyes in Winter?

 

Alt: Young woman with watery eyes in winter

Now, onto another winter eye issue. Ever noticed your eyes watering more in the cold? You’re not alone—many people experience this frustrating phenomenon during winter. Cold air and chilly winds dry out your eyes quickly, leaving them uncomfortably dry. In response, your tear glands try to compensate by producing extra tears.

Guess what? Those tears aren’t as helpful as they seem. The cold, dry air causes them to evaporate just as quickly as they’re produced, providing only fleeting relief and leaving you with that all-too-familiar watery discomfort.

How to Stop Eyes from Watering in Cold Weather

 

Alt: Winter eyewear to help reduce watery and dry eyes in winter

Now that you’ve understood why watery eyes are so common, it is time to fix this annoying feeling. There are easy and effective solutions to keep your eyes comfortable, even in the harshest conditions:

• Start by covering your nose and mouth with a warm scarf. This not only keeps you cozy but also warms the air before it reaches your eyes, helping to prevent dryness.
• When a scarf alone isn’t enough, consider wearing goggles during extreme weather or winter sports. They create a barrier against cold, dry air, offering relief.
• To complete your defense, use lubricating eye drops before heading outdoors. These drops keep your tear production in check, ensuring your eyes stay hydrated no matter the conditions.

With these easy fixes, you can finally stop rubbing your watery, irritated eyes and start enjoying winter.  Whether you opt for protective eyewear on your winter escapades or go ahead with lubricating drops, make sure your eyes are not neglected this winter.

 So, gear up, protect your eyes, and take on the temperature drops with clear vision.

No More Winter Eyes

 

Alt: People wearing winter goggles to get rid of dry eyes

The pain of dry eyes during winter might seem minor until you experience it. So, don’t miss out on incorporating these preventive steps into your winter routine. If your dry or watery eyes persist despite your efforts, it’s essential to address these symptoms before they escalate. Oh, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. 

In case you are looking for the right winter eyewear like dry-eye glasses or wraparound sunglasses, Sporteyes has your back! Just browse through our catalog and find your winter accessory.