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Why Do Dry Eyes Get Worse in Winter and How Can You Find Relief?

For many people, the arrival of winter brings more than just colder temperatures and shorter days—it also means dealing with uncomfortable, irritated eyes. If your eyes feel dry, itchy, or excessively watery as soon as the winter chill sets in, you’re not alone.

But how can this happen? Seasonal allergies have long faded with the last of the autumn leaves, and yet your eyes continue to burn and sting even in the coldest weather. The truth is, winter conditions create the perfect environment for dry eyes, affecting vision and comfort even when there’s no pollen in sight.

At EyeCare Associates, we understand how frustrating winter dry eye can be. That’s why our expert eye doctors have created this guide to explain why dry eye symptoms worsen in colder months—and, most importantly, what you can do to find relief.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Most of us don’t think about our eyes much—until something goes wrong. Our eyes are complex, self-sustaining organs designed to process light and send visual signals to the brain. But beyond enabling sight, they also have built-in systems to protect and maintain their delicate structure. One of these essential systems is the tear film, a thin layer of moisture that keeps the eyes lubricated and free from debris.

A healthy tear film is made up of three distinct layers: a mucous layer that helps tears stick to the eye’s surface, a watery aqueous layer that hydrates the eye, and an outer lipid layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. This intricate balance is maintained by the body’s meibomian and lacrimal glands, ensuring that the eye remains comfortably moist. However, when any part of this system is disrupted—whether due to environmental factors, genetics, or health conditions—tears become less effective, and the eyes can no longer retain proper moisture. This leads to dry eye syndrome.   One of the most surprising symptoms of dry eye is excessive tearing. When the tear film begins to break down, the body overcompensates by producing more tears. However, these tears lack the necessary oil and mucous components, meaning they evaporate too quickly to provide relief. As a result, the eyes remain dry, irritated, and watery.

Dry eye can be triggered by a variety of factors, including seasonal changes in humidity, exposure to wind or smoke, and even excessive dust. It can also be influenced by underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders or ocular rosacea, which interfere with tear film stability. Understanding the root cause of dry eye is the first step in finding an effective treatment and restoring comfort to your vision.

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 are Dry Eyes More Common in Winter?

Environmental factors play a major role in the development of dry eye, and winter conditions are often the perfect storm for irritation. Both outdoor and indoor elements contribute to the problem, making it one of the most common seasons for dry, itchy, and watery eyes.

Low Humidity

Winter air naturally contains less moisture than the air in warmer months. When humidity levels drop, the air becomes more absorbent, pulling moisture from any available source—including your eyes. The tear film, which is responsible for keeping the eyes hydrated, begins to evaporate more quickly in these dry conditions, leaving your eyes feeling irritated and dehydrated. 

Winter Winds

Winter isn’t just dry—it’s also windy. Much like riding a bike without protective eyewear or sitting in front of a fan for too long, exposure to strong, cold winds can rapidly dry out the eyes. The combination of low humidity and brisk air can strip away the natural moisture from your tear film, resulting in discomfort, redness, and that dreaded gritty sensation. 

Indoor Heating

When the temperatures drop, the thermostat goes up. While heating your home or office makes the winter months much more bearable, it also creates another low-humidity environment. Heated air quickly dries out indoor spaces, pulling moisture from the skin, sinuses, and of course, your eyes. This can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, making it difficult to find relief even when you’re indoors. 

More Screens, Less Blinking

Cold weather often means spending more time inside, and for many, that translates to increased screen time. Whether it’s working from home, binge-watching a new show, or scrolling through social media, extended screen use can contribute to dry eye. There’s no shame in binging a good TV show; after all, 70% of Americans do so. However, when staring at digital screens, people naturally blink less, which slows down the process of replenishing the tear film. Less blinking means less lubrication, leading to eye fatigue and irritation. The combination of indoor heating and long hours of screen time makes winter an especially challenging season for maintaining eye moisture.  

How to Prevent Dry Eyes in Winter

While winter dry eye is a common issue, there are plenty of simple ways to find relief at home. From increasing indoor humidity to using eye drops, these strategies can help keep your eyes comfortable all season long. 

Use a Humidifier 

One of the most effective ways to combat winter dry eye is by using a humidifier. As colder temperatures bring drier air—both outdoors and indoors—humidity levels drop, accelerating tear evaporation. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, creating a more comfortable environment for your eyes. This helps slow down tear evaporation and reduces irritation caused by excessive dryness. By keeping a humidifier running in your home, you can help ensure that the only thing drying out this winter is holiday firewood, not your eyes. 

Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

Even though winter days may seem less sunny, sunglasses are still an essential accessory. They act as a barrier against harsh winter winds, preventing cold air from stripping moisture away from your tear film. This helps reduce irritation and keeps your eyes feeling comfortable when you’re outside.

Sunglasses also offer protection from photokeratitis, commonly known as snow blindness. Snow and ice reflect harmful UV rays, which can damage your eyes if they’re not shielded properly. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection helps prevent this and ensures your vision stays clear, no matter how bright the winter landscape gets. 

Use Warm Compresses

Your eyelids contain meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tear film. When these glands become clogged or don’t function properly, it can cause tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.

A simple warm compress can help stimulate oil production and unclog these glands. Just soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, gently place it over your closed eyes, and relax for about 10 minutes. This soothing treatment not only promotes healthier tear production but also provides a much-needed break for your eyes during the dry winter months. 

Remember to Blink Often

It may sound obvious, but blinking is crucial for maintaining a healthy tear film. The problem? When we focus on digital screens—whether working, watching TV, or scrolling on our phones—our blink rate naturally decreases. Less blinking means less lubrication, which can make dry eye symptoms worse.

To help keep your eyes refreshed, try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit encourages blinking, reduces strain, and helps prevent dry eyes, even during long hours of screen time. 

Apply Artificial Tears

If your eyes still feel dry despite taking precautions, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide quick relief. Lubricating eye drops, such as Refresh or Systane, help supplement your natural tear film, keeping your eyes hydrated and reducing irritation. Using artificial tears as needed throughout the day can help maintain moisture balance and prevent discomfort caused by winter dryness.

When to See an Eye Doctor

For most people, the at-home remedies mentioned above should effectively relieve winter dry eye, allowing you to enjoy the season with clear and comfortable vision. However, if your symptoms persist despite trying these treatments, it may be time to see an eye care professional.

If your dry eye symptoms continue or worsen, schedule an eye exam to determine the underlying cause and explore more advanced treatment options. Additionally, if you experience sharp pain, extreme sensitivity to light, or a sudden decline in vision, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition that requires prompt care to prevent long-term damage to your vision.

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 

Say Goodbye to Winter Dry Eye with EyeCare Associates

Winter brings cozy moments, holiday cheer, and breathtaking seasonal landscapes, but it can also mean dealing with the discomfort of dry, irritated eyes. No one wants to spend the season constantly rubbing their eyes or battling excessive tearing when they should be enjoying all the sights winter has to offer. If you experience persistent dryness and irritation every year, you may be suffering from winter dry eye.

The good news is that most cases of winter dry eye can be managed with simple at-home remedies and small lifestyle changes. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, EyeCare Associates is here to help. Our experienced eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye, providing personalized solutions to keep your vision clear and comfortable all season long.

To say goodbye to dry eyes this winter and find relief, schedule an eye exam at your nearest EyeCare Associates today!

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