As temperatures drop, our eyes are exposed to dry air and other extreme conditions, making dry eye symptoms all too common. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy in the winter months. Know what precautions to take to maintain your eye health and avoid symptoms like red, itchy eyes as cold weather moves in. Here are the top tips to prevent winter dry eye.
Symptoms of Dry Eye in Winter
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when our eyes do not produce tears properly due to an imbalance of oil, water and mucus. Some symptoms you might experience include watering eyes, increased sensitivity to light and feeling like there is something in your eyes. You may also have blurry vision, eye fatigue, redness or stringy mucus in or around your eyes.
Use Artificial Tear Drops
During winter months when exposed to cold, dry wind and air, your eyes are more likely to dry out and become irritated. Dry eye symptoms can also occur as your heating system runs during the winter, which removes the moisture from the air in your home.
Keep eye drops handy during the colder months of the year to soothe your irritated eyes as needed. While no single brand works best for all forms of dry eye, some of the best over-the-counter brands include Systane Ultra, Refresh Optive Mega-3, Retaine MGD, Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops and Oasis Tears Plus.
Apply eye drops once each morning or before going to bed in the evening. This daily process will help your eyes become more lubricated and eliminate painful symptoms. Using a heated eye mask for dry eyes is also a proven remedy to eliminate symptoms of the condition.
Be Mindful of Makeup and Cosmetic Products
Women are more prone to dry eye. Certain makeup products can make symptoms worse, which is why it’s important to be vigilant about ingredients and opt for products without harsh chemicals. Keep in mind that retinol and anti-aging creams can harm delicate oil glands under the eyelid. Be cautious about eye shadows, avoid powders and glitter, and consider using a primer to minimize contact with your eyes’ tear film. Avoid using liquid eyeliner or waterproof mascara, as they often require harsh chemicals for removal.
It’s also important to regularly clean your eye brushes to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When it comes to removing your makeup, avoid products with alcohol and opt for natural options like coconut oil or argan oil, as well as micellar wipes.
Visit the Dry Eye Experts in Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach
Finding the right dry eye treatment can drastically improve your eye discomfort. The key is breaking the cycle of irritation and inflammation by determining the cause of your dry eye. Don’t ignore your symptoms — dry eye can lead to eye infections and potentially impact your vision, even preventing you from wearing contact lenses. Schedule an appointment at our Ponte Vedra Beach or Nocatee locations to begin creating a treatment plan that best suits your type of dry eye.
Donald A. Barnhorst Jr., M.D., is a Ponte Vedra resident and board-certified ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists. For more information on Dr. Barnhorst, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com or call 904-564-2020.
