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Dry Eyes in Winter: How It Occurs and How to Get Relief

Winter is a season of crisp air, festive gatherings, and cozy moments, but for many, it also brings the discomfort of dry, irritated eyes. If you find yourself experiencing redness, itchiness, or excessive watering as the temperatures drop, you’re not alone.

But what causes this seasonal irritation? With pollen and other allergens no longer in the air, it may seem surprising that your eyes are still reacting to the change in weather. The reality is that winter conditions create the perfect storm for dry eye, leading to discomfort and vision disturbances even when allergies aren’t to blame.

At Grene Vision Group, we understand how frustrating winter dry eye can be. That’s why our team of eye care professionals has put together this guide to explain why winter weather exacerbates dry eye symptoms—and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your eyes comfortable throughout the season.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Most people don’t think about their eyes—until discomfort becomes impossible to ignore. Our eyes are intricate, self-regulating organs that not only allow us to see but also have natural defense systems to keep them protected and hydrated. One of the most important of these is the tear film, a thin layer of moisture that shields the eyes from dryness, debris, and irritation.

A well-balanced tear film consists of three layers: a mucous layer that helps tears adhere to the eye’s surface, an aqueous layer that provides hydration, and a lipid layer that prevents evaporation. This delicate system is maintained by the meibomian and lacrimal glands, which work together to ensure the eyes stay moisturized and comfortable. However, when something disrupts this process—whether due to environmental conditions, aging, or underlying health issues—the tear film becomes unbalanced, leading to dry eye syndrome.

One of the most unexpected symptoms of dry eye is excessive tearing. When the tear film begins to deteriorate, the body attempts to compensate by producing more tears. However, these tears lack the necessary oil components to remain on the eye’s surface, causing them to evaporate quickly and leaving the eyes just as dry and irritated as before.

Various factors can trigger dry eye, including seasonal changes in humidity, exposure to wind or smoke, and medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders or ocular rosacea. Understanding what’s causing your dry eye symptoms is key to finding the right treatment and long-term relief.

Symptoms include:

  • A persistent itching or burning sensation 

  • Red eyes 

  • Excessive watering 

  • Blurred vision 

  • The presence of stringy mucous 

  • A feeling of eye fatigue or strain 

Why Do Dry Eyes Get Worse in the Winter?

Winter creates the ideal conditions for dry eye, as both outdoor and indoor environments contribute to moisture loss and irritation. The combination of cold temperatures, strong winds, and artificial indoor heating makes this season particularly challenging for maintaining eye comfort.

Lower Humidity Levels

Cold air naturally contains less moisture than warm air, leading to a significant drop in humidity during winter. When the air is dry, it draws moisture from any available source—including your eyes. This speeds up the evaporation of the tear film, which is responsible for keeping your eyes hydrated and protected. As a result, many people experience dryness, irritation, and increased discomfort during the colder months. 

Chilly, Blustery Winds

Winter isn’t just cold—it’s also windy. Much like sitting in front of a fan or riding in an open vehicle without eye protection, exposure to strong gusts of wind can strip moisture from the tear film. This can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, watery, and irritated, with symptoms worsening each time you step outside. 

Dry Indoor Heating

As outdoor temperatures drop, heating systems work hard to keep homes, offices, and cars warm. However, heated air dramatically reduces indoor humidity levels, creating another dry environment that impacts eye comfort. Just as your skin may feel drier in the winter, your eyes also lose moisture more quickly in these artificial conditions, making dry eye symptoms even more noticeable when you’re inside. 

Increased Screen Time

Shorter days and colder weather mean more time spent indoors, which often leads to increased screen use for work, entertainment, and socializing. Whether working remotely, binge-watching your favorite shows (like 70% of Americans!), or scrolling through social media, prolonged screen exposure can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Staring at screens naturally reduces your blink rate, limiting the lubrication your eyes receive. When combined with dry indoor air, this can lead to fatigue, irritation, and strained vision throughout the winter season.  

How to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable in Winter

Winter dry eye is a common seasonal issue, but the good news is that small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference. From increasing indoor humidity to protecting your eyes outdoors, these simple strategies can help you maintain moisture and prevent irritation during colder months. 

Add Moisture to the Air with a Humidifier

One of the most effective ways to combat winter dry eye is by using a humidifier. Cold air holds less moisture, and heating systems further strip humidity from indoor environments, accelerating tear evaporation. A humidifier helps replenish moisture in the air, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for your eyes. Running one in your home or workspace can significantly reduce dryness and irritation, making it easier to maintain eye comfort all season long. 

Wear Sunglasses for Protection Outdoors

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer—they’re just as important in winter. A good pair of sunglasses acts as a barrier against strong winds that can quickly dry out your tear film, reducing irritation when you’re outside.

Sunglasses also provide critical protection against photokeratitis, also known as snow blindness. Snow and ice reflect a large percentage of the sun’s UV rays, increasing the risk of temporary eye damage. Choosing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection can help prevent glare sensitivity and safeguard your long-term eye health. 

Soothe Dry Eyes with a Warm Compress

Your eyelids contain meibomian glands, which produce the oils needed to stabilize your tear film. If these glands become clogged, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation and dryness.

A warm compress can help improve tear quality by stimulating these glands. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, place it over your closed eyes, and relax for about 10 minutes. This easy, at-home treatment can improve moisture retention and provide soothing relief from winter dryness. 

Blink More Frequently

Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eye’s surface. However, when focusing on digital screens—whether for work, watching TV, or scrolling on your phone—people naturally blink less often. This reduced blink rate leads to quicker tear evaporation and worsens dry eye symptoms.

To promote healthier blinking, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This practice encourages blinking, reduces strain, and helps maintain hydration during extended screen use. 

Use Artificial Tears for Extra Hydration

If your eyes still feel dry despite lifestyle adjustments, lubricating eye drops can provide fast relief. Over-the-counter artificial tears, such as Refresh or Systane, help supplement your natural tear film and prevent moisture loss. Keeping a bottle on hand during the winter months can be a simple yet effective way to reduce irritation and maintain eye comfort throughout the day.

When to See an Eye Doctor for Persistent Dry Eye

For many people, small lifestyle changes and simple home remedies can effectively relieve winter dry eye. However, if your symptoms don’t improve despite increasing humidity, using artificial tears, and taking regular screen breaks, it may be time to consult an eye doctor.

If your eyes continue to feel dry, irritated, or excessively watery even after trying these adjustments, a professional evaluation can help pinpoint the underlying cause and determine the best treatment plan. Additionally, if you experience sharp eye pain, extreme sensitivity to light, or a sudden change in vision, schedule an eye exam right away. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition that requires immediate attention to prevent potential vision complications.

See your eye doctor if you experience:

  • Continuing symptoms of dry eye after trying at-home treatments 

  • Worsening symptoms, including red, swollen eyes 

  • Sharp or extreme pain 

  • A sudden drop in vision 

Find Relief from Winter Dry Eye with Grene Vision Group

Winter brings beautiful snowy landscapes, holiday gatherings, and cozy nights by the fire—but for many, it also brings the frustration of dry, irritated eyes. Instead of spending the season dealing with redness, itchiness, or excessive tearing, you deserve to enjoy winter with clear, comfortable vision. If dry eyes become a recurring issue when temperatures drop, you may be experiencing winter dry eye.

The good news is that most cases of winter dry eye can be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments and at-home treatments. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, Grene Vision Group is here to help. Our experienced eye care professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye, offering customized solutions to restore moisture and protect your vision throughout the season.

Don’t let winter dry eye disrupt your daily life—schedule an appointment with Grene Vision Group today!

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