Why Are My Eyes Dry in the Winter?

As winter sets in, bringing cold winds and cozy moments by the heater, many people experience dry, irritated eyes. This seemingly small discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life, especially in bustling urban environments like New York City, where dry air from both the outdoors and heated indoor spaces exacerbates the condition. Winter dryness can lead to red, itchy, or even painful eyes, making it important to understand what causes these symptoms and how you can prevent them.

At Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, we often see patients seeking relief from winter eye dryness. Whether you’re visiting us for a cataract evaluation or experiencing more severe conditions like glaucoma, dry eyes often accompany other vision issues during the colder months. Understanding why your eyes get dry in the winter and what steps you can take to protect them can keep your vision healthy year-round.

The Science Behind Dry Eyes in Winter

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential because they keep the surface of your eyes moist, help with clear vision, and protect the eyes from infections.

In winter, the dry air is a significant factor in tear evaporation. Cold outdoor temperatures and the indoor heating systems designed to keep us warm work together to reduce humidity levels, creating an environment that promotes tear evaporation. For New Yorkers who navigate between the brisk outdoors and heated indoor spaces, the sudden changes in humidity and temperature can put added strain on the eyes.

Factors Contributing to Winter Dryness

1. Low Humidity: Winter air tends to be less humid than in the warmer months. When you heat your home or office, you dry out the air even more, making it difficult for your eyes to stay properly lubricated. Many homes and workplaces rely on central heating, which circulates dry air and exacerbates the problem.
2. Cold Winds: When venturing outside, you may feel the sting of cold winds on your face. Windy conditions rapidly dry out the thin layer of tears protecting your eyes. Without adequate protection, such as sunglasses or goggles, the wind can quickly strip away moisture, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.
3. Indoor Heating: New Yorkers often rely heavily on heaters to stay comfortable during the cold winter months. Unfortunately, indoor heating systems decrease humidity levels. Whether you use central heating, space heaters, or radiators, these devices can dry the air, making it harder for your eyes to retain moisture.
4. Screen Time: As temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors, often increasing their use of digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Prolonged screen time can worsen dry eye symptoms. When you stare at a screen, you tend to blink less, reducing the spread of tears across the surface of your eyes. This lack of blinking, combined with dry indoor air, can make symptoms more severe.
5. Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by reducing tear production. In the winter, when people are more likely to take medication for cold or flu symptoms, this side effect can become more pronounced.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eyes is crucial in seeking timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

• A stinging or burning sensation in your eyes
• Redness or irritation, especially when exposed to cold winds or dry indoor air
• Blurred vision, which may improve after blinking
• Sensitivity to light, which can be more noticeable in winter’s bright, reflective conditions, especially after snow
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses, as they may feel uncomfortable or cause further irritation

If these symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult an optometrist near you to discuss possible treatments and long-term care. At Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, we offer comprehensive eye exams and customized treatment plans for dry eye management.

Risk Factors for Winter Dry Eyes

While anyone can experience dry eyes, certain factors increase your risk during the winter months:

• Age: Tear production decreases as we age, making older adults more susceptible to dry eyes, especially during winter.
• Gender: Women, especially those going through hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause, are more likely to experience dry eyes.
• Preexisting Conditions: People with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or autoimmune diseases are more prone to dry eyes, and the symptoms can worsen in winter.

How to Protect Your Eyes from Winter Dryness

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture back into the air with a humidifier is one of the most effective ways to combat dry indoor environments. Place a humidifier in areas where you spend the most time, such as your living room, bedroom, or office.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain tear production. While you might not feel as thirsty in the winter as in the summer, staying hydrated is crucial for eye health.
3. Wear Protective Eyewear: When heading outdoors, wear sunglasses or protective goggles to shield your eyes from cold winds. Wraparound glasses offer even more protection by preventing wind from directly hitting your eyes.
4. Take Breaks from Screens: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages blinking, which can spread tears more effectively.
5. Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist. However, avoid eye drops with preservatives or those designed to reduce redness, as they can sometimes cause irritation with prolonged use. Consult your NYC optometrist for recommendations on the best artificial tears for your needs.
6. Adjust Your Environment: If possible, move your desk or seating area away from direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents, which can dry out your eyes. You can also angle fans or heaters away from your face to minimize their drying effects.
7. Blink More: It sounds simple, but consciously blinking more often can help spread tears across the surface of your eyes, reducing dryness.
8. Limit Contact Lens Use: If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses on especially dry days or using contact lenses specifically designed for dry eyes. You can also use rewetting drops to keep your lenses moist.

When to See an Optometrist

If self-care measures aren’t providing relief, it’s time to see an optometrist near you. Chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation, damage to the surface of your eyes, and even vision problems if left untreated. At Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY, our optometrists can provide a thorough eye examination, assess your tear production, and recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment options for dry eyes may include:

• Prescription eye drops: If over-the-counter options aren’t effective, your optometrist may prescribe medicated eye drops that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.
• Punctal plugs: In severe cases, tiny plugs can be inserted into your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly.
• Lipiflow treatment: This in-office procedure uses heat and pressure to unclog the glands that produce the oily layer of your tears, helping to keep them from evaporating too quickly.

Dry Eyes and Glaucoma

Dry eyes can be particularly problematic for individuals with glaucoma. Many glaucoma treatments, especially medicated eye drops, can worsen dry eye symptoms. If you’re undergoing treatment for glaucoma, it’s essential to inform your optometrist if you experience dry eye symptoms so that your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.

Conclusion

Winter can be harsh on your eyes, but with the right preventive measures, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes comfortable. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or more severe symptoms, Nassau Fulton Vision Center of New York, NY is here to help. From routine cataract evaluations to specialized treatments for dry eyes and glaucoma, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists or call us at (212) 531-2020.