Winter brings crisp air, fresh snow, and unfortunately for many, uncomfortable dry eyes. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, moisture in the air decreases, leaving your eyes feeling irritated, scratchy, or fatigued. At Eyes Harvest Hills, we regularly see patients who notice their symptoms get worse during the colder months. Understanding why this happens, and knowing what you can do about it, can make a meaningful difference in your daily comfort.
Why Winter Air Causes Dry, Irritated Eyes
Dry eye symptoms often intensify in winter because cold outdoor air holds less moisture, while heated indoor environments pull even more hydration from your eyes. This combination could lead to faster tear evaporation, leaving the surface of your eyes less protected.
Your tears can play an essential role in keeping your eyes healthy. They serve to lubricate the surface, protect against irritants, and support clear vision. When winter conditions disrupt your tear film, it can lead to burning, redness, fluctuating vision, or a gritty sensation that makes everyday tasks less comfortable. If you are already experiencing these symptoms, they could worsen when the air becomes especially dry, and also be a sign of dry eye or other such diseases.
At Eyes Harvest Hills, we strive to help patients manage dry eye discomfort by assessing tear quality, eye surface health, and lifestyle factors to determine the best approach for relief. We offer a wide range of dry eye treatments designed to combat the problems and keep your vision health at its peak.
What You Can Do to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms in Winter
Take Frequent Breaks from Screens
Most people spend more time indoors during winter. Part of this time can often be spent on phones, laptops, or tablets. Too much time in front of these can cause soreness, redness, and dry eyes. It can also produce reduced blinking and unneeded strain. Be sure to take regular breaks in order to give your eyes a chance to rehydrate, rest, and relax.
Use Proper Indoor Humidity
Heated homes and offices tend to be extremely dry. This can in turn cause your eyes to be more dry than normal. Being sure to use a humidifier or adding moisture to the air can go a long way to reduce tear evaporation, making your eyes feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
Wind and cold air can quickly dry out the surface of your eyes. These things are very common in winter. Wearing glasses or sunglasses outdoors helps shield your eyes from harsh winter elements.
A Solution: Stay Hydrated and Blink Often
A good temporary home remedy solution for keeping your eyes healthy and moisturised, even in cold weather, is by being careful to drink water and blinking intentionally can help support your eye’s natural tear production.
One Helpful List: Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
Here are some of the most common dry eye symptoms:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Watery eyes (a common sign of dryness)
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen time
If you’re noticing several of these symptoms more frequently in winter, your eyes may benefit from professional dry eye assessment and support.
When to Book an Eye Exam
Occasional dryness due to winter weather is normal, but persistent irritation may indicate an underlying dry eye condition. At Eyes Harvest Hills, our dry eye therapy begins with a thorough examination to understand what’s causing your symptoms. Using advanced diagnostic testing, we assess tear stability, eyelid health, and inflammation to create a personalized treatment plan.
We also offer comprehensive eye exams for all ages, ensuring you receive the care and guidance needed to protect your vision year-round.
Find Relief This Winter
Winter does not have to be a season of discomfort. With simple at-home strategies and professional support when needed, you can keep your eyes feeling comfortable and healthy. If you have dry, irritated eyes that are becoming a daily frustration, we welcome you to contact us today and book an appointment at Eyes Harvest Hills. Let our team help you find relief and maintain clear, comfortable vision all season long.
