It’s not your imagination. Winter can be brutal on your eyes, especially in Hartland Township, where the temperature regularly dips below freezing, the winds pick up, and indoor heating systems run non-stop from November through March.
If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or watery this time of year, it may be more than just the weather. The combination of dry air, high screen time, and underlying conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction can seriously disrupt tear production. And for many working adults, seniors, and parents in our community, the symptoms of dry eye disease tend to worsen in winter.
What Causes Dry, Itchy Eyes in Winter?
Wondering why your eyes feel more irritated once the cold hits? Here's a closer look at the top contributors to dry eyes during winter:
- Indoor Heating Systems: Forced-air systems dry out indoor air in homes, schools, and offices. That lack of humidity causes the natural tear film to evaporate, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.
- Cold Air and Wind Exposure: Harsh winter winds can directly affect your tear film. Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, which dries your eyes out faster than usual, especially if you’re not wearing sunglasses for protection.
- Screen Time and Blinking Habits: In Hartland Township, many residents work in office environments or study online, especially in the colder months when outdoor activities slow down. Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which dries out the eye surface and disrupts tear film quality.
- Tear Duct and Gland Dysfunction: A common winter complaint we see is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, where the glands responsible for the oily layer of your tear film become clogged or sluggish. This causes tears to evaporate too quickly, even when you’re producing a normal amount.
- Seasonal Health and Lifestyle Shifts: Winter colds, autoimmune flares, antihistamines, and antidepressants can all interfere with tear production.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes in the Winter
Cold-weather dry eye is frustrating, but the good news is that it can be managed with simple, daily steps. Whether you spend your days working on a laptop, chasing after children, or shoveling snow off your driveway, here are proven ways to keep your eyes lubricated during the winter months.
1. Use Artificial Tears Regularly
Over-the-counter artificial tears are one of the easiest and most effective ways to combat very dry eyes in winter. Look for preservative-free options, especially if you're using drops multiple times a day.
2. Apply Warm Compresses to Support Tear Glands
Warm compresses help stimulate oil production in the meibomian glands. A daily compress routine can ease symptoms and improve how well your natural tears protect your eyes.
3. Avoid Direct Heat and Increase Indoor Humidity
If your eyes feel drier after spending time near a heat vent or fireplace, it’s not a coincidence. Try using a humidifier in your bedroom or workspace to counteract the dry air from indoor heating.
4. Limit Screen Time and Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
To prevent dry eyes during winter, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces the risk of tear evaporation from reduced blinking.
5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Eye-Friendly Foods
Proper hydration supports healthy tear production. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to reduce inflammation and improve tear film quality.
Dry Eye Support at Hartland Eye Care, MI
When artificial tears and home remedies aren’t enough, it’s time to visit one of our eye doctors. At Hartland Eye Care, we help patients from across Hartland Township find lasting relief from dry eyes during winter.
- Thorough Evaluation of Your Tear Film: We use advanced imaging to assess your tear ducts, glands, and film layers, enabling us to target the underlying cause of your discomfort.
- Custom Treatment Plans Based on Your Needs: Your dry eye treatment may include prescription drops, gland therapy, nutritional advice, or guidance for contact lens wear. We also offer solutions for patients with screen-heavy lifestyles.
- Ongoing Support for Winter Months and Beyond: Dry eyes in winter may only be the beginning. We offer ongoing care, especially for patients managing chronic conditions or age-related changes in tear production.
Ready to protect your eyes from the effects of winter? Book your dry eye consultation at Hartland Eye Care to get the relief you deserve.
Winter Dry Eyes FAQs
Why do my eyes feel worse after turning on the heat?
Indoor heating lowers humidity and dries out your tear film. This effect makes dry eyes during winter more common and more severe.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes in the winter?
Yes. We may recommend more hydrating contact lens options, such as scleral lenses, to help reduce winter discomfort for contact lens wearers.
What are the symptoms of dry eye I should watch for?
Look out for gritty, stinging sensations, blurred vision, and discomfort that gets worse as the day goes on.