As the weather gets colder, many people start to experience the irritating symptoms of dry eyes. But why do we get dry eyes in winter?

Find out here alongside our top tips for managing dry eyes.

Dry eye syndrome and its winter triggers

Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or make poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly. This leaves your eyes feeling dry, scratchy and irritated.

You’re more likely to experience dry eyes in winter because it can be exacerbated by environmental factors. When you’re outside, low humidity and strong winds can dry out your eyes. Then, when you’re indoors, heating dries out the air, aggravating your dry eyes even more.

Ageing, prolonged screen use, and certain medications can also trigger dry eyes, making symptoms even worse.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Common symptoms of dry eye that you may experience include:

• a dry, scratchy, burning or gritty feeling
• redness or irritation
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
• feeling like something is in your eye
• watery eyes as a response to the dryness.

Dry eye management tips for winter

There are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms of dry eye during the cold season.

One of the main methods is using lubricating eye drops for dry eye, which can act as a tear replacement and soothe your symptoms. Other things that can help include:

• Using a humidifier and having the heating on less to reduce dry air at home
• cleaning your eyelids each evening and applying a warm compress to improve the function of the oil glands that produce the oil part of your tears
• drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
• taking regular screen breaks, blinking and focusing in the distance to rest your eyes

Dry eye assessments for personalised treatment

If you’re struggling with dry eye, we recommend booking a dry eye and red eye assessment with us.

This comprehensive examination of your outer eye takes around 15 minutes. Our team will make personalised suggestions for managing your dry eye, which may include eye drops and eye hygiene products.

Don’t worry if you’re not eligible for NHS charge exemption – we can provide you with a signed order for prescription remedies.

Don’t put up with dry eyes any longer. Contact us at Bagot Opticians to book your dry eye and red eye assessment.