Dry Eye Tips for the Winter

Dry eye is annoying any time of the year but is particularly bad in the winter because of the dry air produced by the cold and from indoor heating. Eye 1^st Vision Center, an optometrist in Sandy Springs, GA, looks at how you can care for your dry eye during the winter.

Limit Hair Dryer Use

No one wants to go out in the cold with wet hair, but hair dryers worsen dry eye symptoms by blowing hot hair directly into the eyes. Try washing your hair and letting it air-dry at times when you don’t have to go outside for hours. Avoid directing the dryer at your eyes. Shut your eyes whenever possible when using a hairdryer.

Turn Down the Heat

Indoor heating is perhaps the biggest cause of dry eyes in the winter. Turn down the heat to not only help your eyes but reduce your heating bill. Try not to sit directly in front of a heating vent.

Use a Humidifier

If you can’t turn down the heat anymore, try using a small humidifier in the room you spend the most time in to keep the air around you moist.

Use Wrap-Around Sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses help shield your eyes not only from the glare of the snow, but from some of the dry, cold air that causes your eyes to dry out. Talk to your optometrist about wrap-around sunglasses or glasses.

Use More Eye Drops or Artificial Tears

Increase your use of eye drops or artificial tears. Get into the habit of using eye drops right before going outside to help prevent symptoms of dry eye like burning and itchiness.

Schedule an Eye Exam

If you have tried all of these tips and are still not getting relief, you could have an undiagnosed medical condition that needs treatment. Get an optometry exam to check on your eye’s health.

Still Have Questions?

If you have further questions about treating your dry eye during the winter and live in the Sandy Springs, GA area, contact Eye 1^st Vision Center by calling (404) 252-1702 to make an appointment today.