Winter can be uncomfortable for your eyes. As temperatures drop, many people notice their eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired. This is common and it affects both children and adults. At Child and Family Eye Care, we often see an increase in dry eye symptoms during the winter months.
Understanding why winter makes dry eye worse can help you protect your eyes and stay comfortable all season long.
Why Winter Air Dries Out Your Eyes
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes do not make enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Cold weather creates the perfect environment for this problem.
Outdoor air during winter holds less moisture. Indoors, heaters and forced air systems dry out the air even more. This causes tears to evaporate faster from the surface of the eye.
Cold wind can also irritate the eyes. Spending time outside without eye protection may make dryness worse, especially on windy days.
Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
Winter dry eye symptoms can be mild or more noticeable depending on the person. Some of the most common symptoms include burning or stinging, redness, gritty or scratchy feeling, watery eyes, blurry vision that comes and goes, and tired eyes after reading or screen use.
Children may rub their eyes often or complain that their eyes feel uncomfortable after school or homework.
Who Is More Likely to Have Dry Eyes in Winter?
Anyone can experience dry eyes in winter, but some people are more affected.
People who use digital screens for long periods may blink less often, which increases dryness. Contact lens wearers may notice irritation more quickly in cold weather. Older adults often make fewer tears, which can worsen symptoms.
Children are also affected, especially when classrooms are heated and screen time increases during colder months.
Simple Ways to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms
There are easy steps you can take to help your eyes stay comfortable.
Using a humidifier at home adds moisture to the air. Taking breaks from screens helps your eyes rest and blink normally. Wearing sunglasses outdoors protects your eyes from cold air and wind.
Drinking enough water supports healthy tear production. Artificial tears can help, but it is important to use products recommended by your eye doctor.
When to See Your Local Eye Doctor in Shenandoah
If dry eye symptoms last all winter or affect daily activities, it is time for an eye exam. Ongoing dryness can impact vision quality and eye comfort.
An exam helps determine what is causing dry eye and whether treatment beyond over the counter drops is needed. Dry eye treatment should be personalized based on age, lifestyle, and eye health.
Dry Eye Care for Children and Adults
At Child and Family Eye Care, we evaluate dry eye symptoms for patients of all ages. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, prescription eye drops, or in office therapies depending on the cause.
Schedule Your Winter Dry Eye Exam
Winter is a great time to schedule an eye exam, especially if dry eye symptoms are bothering you or your child. Early care can help prevent discomfort and support healthier eyes through the season.
Contact Child and Family Eye Care to schedule an eye care appointment and keep your eyes comfortable this winter.