Winter can be a harsh season for your eyes. The cold, dry air can lead to a host of eye problems, the most common being dry eye. This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. The result can be uncomfortable symptoms like redness, irritation and blurry vision.
Fight back against winter eye. In this article, we’ll delve into dry eye prevention and seasonal eye care that will help you stay comfortable all season long.
Winter Dry Eye Explained:
Low humidity in winter dries out the air and your eyes. Cold, windy conditions and indoor heating systems (which lack adequate humidification) further reduce air moisture, worsening dry eye symptoms. The lack of moisture in the air can lead to reduced tear production or increased evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye. Symptoms may include a gritty feeling, burning sensation, redness and blurred vision.
It’s worth noting that spending more time indoors staring at electronic screens can also strain your eyes and contribute to the discomfort experienced during winter months.
Tips for Preventing Winter Dry Eye
Now that you understand winter dry eye causes, you can implement effective preventative measures and maintain healthy vision throughout the winter months.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including eye health. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, especially in your bedroom. This can be particularly beneficial at night.
- Wear sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from the wind and cold, which can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Avoid excessive screen time: Staring at screens for extended periods can lead to eye strain and dry eye. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.
- Consider artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and relieve dryness. Consult your eye doctor to determine the best type of artificial tears for your needs, or to plan another dry eye treatment, such as treatment for clogged oil glands in the eyes.
By taking these steps, you can protect your eyes from the harsh winter elements and ensure they stay healthy and comfortable throughout the season.
Seasonal Eye Care Beyond Dry Eye
While dry eye is a common winter eye problem, it’s not the only one. Other seasonal eye concerns include:
Eye infections: The cold and flu season can increase your risk of developing eye infections, such as conjunctivitis.
Allergies: If you suffer from allergies, winter can bring its own set of triggers, such as indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
Light sensitivity: The reflection of sunlight on snow can cause glare and discomfort, leading to increased light sensitivity.
Chapped eyelids: Cold and dry air can lead to chapped or irritated eyelids, causing discomfort and potential infection.
Contact lens intolerance: Contact lens intolerance, or CLI, is when your eyes can no longer comfortable tolerate contact lenses. It can happen with long-term use or poor lens habits, but dry conditions can exacerbate the condition. SoftTouch LASIK or the SMILE Pro procedure are designed to eliminate the constant need for contact lenses, and thus can indirectly aid in the relief of CLI symptoms (which are caused by constant contact lens use).
Protecting Your Vision Year-Round
To maintain optimal eye health, it’s important to schedule regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can assess your vision, detect any underlying eye conditions, and provide personalized advice on eye care.
If you’re considering LASIK in Detroit, consult the experienced team at Lake Lazer to help determine if this or another vision correction procedure is right for you. Vision correction may help improve dry eye symptoms and will completely eliminate the risk of contact lens intolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use artificial tears?
The frequency depends on the severity of your dry eye. Consult your eye doctor for personalized advice on which drops to use to avoid a “rebound effect” after drops wear off.
What are the signs of a serious eye infection?
Severe pain, excessive redness, pus discharge or impaired vision. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as an eye infection can lead to vision loss.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
The frequency depends on your age, overall health and existing eye conditions, but most experts suggest an annual eye exam for healthy individuals. Your eye doctor can recommend a schedule.
What are some tips for reducing eye strain from digital devices?
The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, adjust your screen brightness and font size.
Can dry eye affect contact lens wearers?
Yes, dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable and increase the risk of eye infections. Consult your eye doctor for advice on lens care and potential solutions.
With convenient locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area LASIK patients up-front pricing, and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE Pro procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through laser vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
