Chilly or blustery conditions, along with indoor heat, can often lead to an increase in dry eye complaints during the colder months. The intensity of an individual’s symptoms and any concurrent medication regimens will dictate whether they might opt for over-the-counter (OTC) solutions or seek prescription-based treatments for relief.
Dry eye syndrome is a prevalent disorder that can impair a person’s daily life. The National Eye Institute reports that an estimated 16 million individuals in the United States experience dry eye.
Research indicates that seasonal changes could influence the prevalence of dry eye symptoms.
With winter bringing increased cases of dry eyes, people typically find reprieve through at-home remedies and personal care measures. However, certain situations may necessitate professional medical treatment.
Read further to discover various self-care approaches for managing dry eye symptoms at home. This discussion will also highlight when it might be appropriate to consult with a healthcare professional.
Causes of dry eyes in winter
Throughout the year, individuals may encounter dry eye symptoms for various reasons, but specific triggers tend to arise in the colder months.
Factors like climatic conditions and home heating systems can amplify the incidence of dry eyes in winter. The chilling effect of strong winds or the dry ambiance created by heating units can extract moisture from the eyes, making them prone to dryness. With heaters running more frequently during winter, the likelihood of experiencing dry eye symptoms increases.
Symptoms indicative of dry eyes might be characterized by sensations such as:
- An itchy feeling in the eyes.
- A general soreness or discomfort.
- A persistent gritty sensation, similar to having sand in the eyes.
- A visual redness within the eye area.
- An unusual sensitivity to light.
- Blurriness in vision or an impression of ‘foggy’ sight.
- Paradoxically, the eyes might also appear to be excessively watery.
Broadly speaking, dry eyes may result from a few root causes:
- Underproduction of tears by the eye’s glands, leading to insufficient eye lubrication.
- Tears evaporating from the eye surface more rapidly than normal.
- Tear composition failing to sustain proper eye moisture levels.
Regarding medication-induced dry eyes, it is vital that individuals consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their medication regimen.
There might be alternatives to the current medication that don’t cause dryness, or addressing the dry eye condition may be recommended. Conversations with the prescribing physician about such side effects are essential for finding the best course of action.
Treatment Options
Doctors may suggest various treatments, tailored to the root and severity of a person’s dry eye condition. The recommended treatment can also differ if a person’s dry eyes are allergy-related.
Below are some treatment alternatives for managing dry eyes:
OTC Remedies
Healthcare professionals might recommend OTC solutions such as lubricating eye drops or artificial tears, which are readily available without a prescription. These drops aid in moistening the eyes and can be found in different formulations for various needs, including for contact lens wearers and for frequency of use throughout the day.
Prescription Medication
For those who find themselves using eye drops more often than suggested by OTC products, prescription eye drops might be necessary. A doctor or pharmacist can provide guidance on appropriate prescription treatments for an individual’s specific condition.
Humidifying Devices
Using indoor humidifiers can help increase air moisture, which might be particularly valuable if someone’s dry eyes are due to dry environmental conditions. For humidifier users, it’s crucial to clean the device routinely to prevent bacterial contamination that could irritate the eyes. Alternatively, placing a pan of water near a heating source could also help increase room humidity, as recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Eye Ointments
Eye ointments, either OTC or prescription, are thicker alternatives to eye drops. These can sometimes blur vision and might be better suited for nighttime application.
Punctal Plugs
For individuals whose tears evaporate too quickly, punctal plugs made of silicone or gel may be an option. These plugs help retain moisture on the eye’s surface by slowing the drain of tears.
Warm Compresses
Applying a warm, damp washcloth to the eyes can be an effective home remedy. This approach should involve gentle warmth and be applied for around ten minutes to alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Intervention
In rare scenarios where the issue is due to overly lax lower eyelids, which speed up tear drainage, surgery might be recommended to correct the eyelids’ position. Some instances may also lead to permanent closure of the tear ducts through surgical means to manage the dry eye condition.
Prevention
To keep dry eyes at bay during the colder season, individuals can employ various tactics and lifestyle modifications, including:
Conscious Blinking: Ensuring frequent blinking can help maintain tear film and keep the eyes well-lubricated.
Minimizing the Use of Hairdryers: Hairdryers can contribute to the dehydration of eyes; thus, reducing their use might be beneficial.
Controlling Heat Indoors: By keeping indoor heating at a lower setting, individuals can decrease the chances of their eyes drying out due to warm, dry air.
Refraining from Smoking: Giving up smoking and steering clear of secondhand smoke exposure can alleviate eye irritation and dryness.
Wearing Protective Eyewear: Sporting protective gear like sunglasses with side protection or goggles can act as a barrier against the cold and windy conditions of winter.
Reducing Time in Front of Screens: Extended screen time can lead to infrequent blinking and subsequent eye dryness, hence cutting back on time spent on devices can be helpful.
Hydration: Keeping up with adequate water intake will help in overall hydration, which contributes to maintaining sufficient moisture in the eyes.
When to contact a doctor
While numerous at-home methods can effectively alleviate dry eyes, it might become necessary to consult a healthcare provider.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if an individual:
continues to struggle with dry eyes despite trying numerous home-based treatments for an extended period.
notices alarming alterations in their vision, such as the sudden onset of vision loss.
finds that dry eyes are significantly hindering their daily routines.
believes that their dry eye condition might be symptomatic of an underlying health issue.
Various medical conditions could lead to the development of dry eye symptoms. Possible conditions include:
Sjögren’s syndrome
thyroid disorders
meibomian gland dysfunction
systemic lupus erythematosus
deficiency in vitamin A
certain ocular infections like blepharitis
reaction to specific types of medication
A healthcare professional can investigate the root causes and prescribe more potent treatment options that could remedy the individual’s dry eye complaints.
Summary
Dry eyes during the colder season are a widely reported phenomenon, influenced by factors such as reduced humidity levels, heated indoor air, and gusty conditions.
While individuals often find relief through self-care measures, some cases may necessitate professional medical treatment.
