Welcome to our very first "Coastal Corner with Dr. Beach." I'm excited to start this new series of posts with the simple goal of giving you eye care news you can use. We aim to keep posts short, easy to read, and meaningfully valuable to readers. I'll put my email at the bottom of every post. Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or even ideas for future posts.
Winterize Your Dry Eyes
As someone raised in Florida, I have to admit I've got a love-hate relationship with cold weather season in Virginia. Leaves changing colors, warm drinks, and the occasional snow are definite highlights for me. Dark, windy, freezing, dreary days....not so much. Another pain for me in winter: dry eyes. And, I'm not alone. After practicing for nearly 20 years in Virginia, I can tell you there is a sharp increase in patients who suffer from dry eyes in colder months than warmer months.
Why Does Cold Weather Affect Your Eyes?
During winter, two major factors conspire against your eyes:
Cold, Dry Air: Cold air holds less moisture, and when you step outside, that dryness can pull water away from the surface of your eyes. This leads to a breakdown in the tear film—the thin, protective layer of tears that keeps your eyes moist and comfortable.
Indoor Heating: Once you escape the cold and step inside, you’re greeted by another problem. Heaters and fireplaces, while wonderful for warmth, create low-humidity environments. This dry indoor air exacerbates the lack of moisture and further dries out your eyes.
The result? Your tear film evaporates faster than your eyes can replace it, leading to dry, irritated eyes.
Common Symptoms of Winter Dry Eye
How do you know if your eyes are struggling with the season? Here are some common symptoms:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes, as though something is stuck there.
- Redness or irritation, especially after being outside.
- Excessive tearing—yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness as your eyes overcompensate.
- Sensitivity to light or wind.
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking.
Sound familiar? Let’s talk about how to fix it.
How to Protect Your Eyes in Cold Weather
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through winter with uncomfortable eyes. Here are some practical steps to keep your vision clear and comfortable, even when it’s freezing outside.
Wear Wraparound Sunglasses: Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. They shield your eyes from cold wind and help retain moisture by reducing tear evaporation. Wraparound styles offer the best protection, acting like a cozy scarf for your eyes.
Use a Humidifier Indoors: Combat dry indoor air by adding moisture back into your environment. A humidifier can do wonders for your eyes (and your skin). Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% for optimal comfort.
Stay Hydrated: Your tear film relies on proper hydration to function well. Drinking plenty of water helps your body produce the moisture your eyes need to stay comfortable.
Blink More Often: Sounds simple, but it works. When we’re reading, working on a computer, or scrolling through our phones, we blink less. This can worsen dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently, especially in dry environments.
Apply Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can be a lifesaver during the winter. Look for preservative-free options to avoid irritation if you use them frequently. Think of it as giving your eyes a quick drink of water. Our recommended brands are Refresh and Systane. But....no Visine or Clear Eyes!
Avoid Direct Heat Sources: Sitting or sleeping underneath a A/C vent that blows heat is a recipe for dry eyes. Position yourself a bit farther away from heat sources and/or turning vents away from your head while sleeping.
Eat Eye-Friendly Foods: Your diet plays a role in eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can help improve tear quality.
Consult Your Eye Doctor: If dry eyes persist or worsen, it’s time to see your optometrist. There are advanced treatments available, from prescription eye drops to in-office procedures like insertable tear savers. These visits and medications are typically covered by your medical insurance. (shameless plug....request an appointment with us by clicking here)
Final Thoughts
Dry eyes might be a common cold-weather complaint, but they don’t have to ruin your season. With a little care and the right strategies, you can keep your eyes feeling great no matter how low the temperature drops. Remember, your eyes work hard for you every day—winter is just their overtime shift. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you with clear, comfortable vision all season long.
Stay warm out there, and as always, if you have any concerns about your eye health, we’re here to help at Coastal Vision!
Cheers.
Dr. Russ Beach
drbeach@coastalvisionva.com