Are your eyes feeling gritty and dry this winter? Winter brings unique challenges to our eyes, with dryness becoming a prevalent concern during this cold season. Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as dry eye, is a condition where the eye's surface lacks sufficient lubrication. As the air becomes drier and colder, our eyes are more susceptible to discomfort and irritation, making it essential to be proactive in maintaining eye health during winter.
Understanding Winter Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye is a common condition that can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 16 million individuals in the United States have dry eyes.
During the winter season, the drop in temperature and the increased use of heating systems indoors can lead to decreased humidity levels, causing the air to become dry. This lack of moisture in the air can contribute to the evaporation of tears and exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Furthermore, the cold winds and glaring sunlight during winter can irritate your eyes, leading to discomfort and dryness. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the medication you are taking, dry eye symptoms can be relieved with either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye causes symptoms such as chronic dryness, scratchiness, and a burning sensation in your eyes.
Some symptoms of dry eyes may include eyes that feel:
- Itchy
- Sore
- Gritty
- Red
- Sensitive to light
A person with dry eyes may also experience blurry vision and eyes that are more watery than usual.
Some general reasons that a person may experience dry eyes include:
- Their glands not producing enough tears to keep the eyes moist
- Their tears drying too fast
- Their tears not keeping their eyes wet effectively enough
Although these symptoms are typically enough for your eye doctor to diagnose the condition, sometimes they may want to measure the amount of tears in your eyes using a Schirmer test.
Effective Winter Eye Care Tips
It's crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to eye care to combat dry eye during the winter months. Some practical strategies to prevent and alleviate dry eye symptoms include:
- Using a humidifier to maintain a comfortable level of indoor humidity.
- Wearing protective eyewear, such as wraparound sunglasses, to shield your eyes from harsh winds and UV rays.
- Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, to promote eye lubrication and overall eye health.
- Implementing the 20-20-20 rule when working on digital devices to reduce eye strain and dryness. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away.
Dry Eye Treatments at Regional Eyecare Associates
There are a variety of treatment options that your eye doctor may recommend, depending on the cause and severity of a person’s dry eyes. Treatments may also vary depending on whether or not the dry eyes are connected to a person’s allergies. The sections below look at some treatment options for dry eyes in more detail.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
If you experience dry eye symptoms, your Regional Eyecare Associates eye doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears. These eye drops help lubricate the eyes by mimicking natural tears, and you can obtain them without a prescription. There are several types of eye drops available, so it's essential to try different options to find the one that works best for you.
Additionally, there are specific eye drops for people who wear contact lenses and those who need to use eye drops frequently throughout the day.
Prescription Medications
If you use over-the-counter eye drops more often than directed on the label, it could indicate that you need prescription eye drops. In such cases, please schedule an appointment with Regional Eyecare Associates at any of our locations, including St. Peter's, Cottleville, O'Fallon, Hillsboro, and Wentzville.
We can recommend the appropriate prescription eye drops that suit your eye condition.
Indoor Humidifiers
Sometimes, people may find that their dry eyes are due to the lack of humidity in the air. Using a humidifier may help with this. However, if you are using a humidifier, do ensure you clean them regularly to avoid bacteria building up, as this can also cause eye irritation.
If you do not have a humidifier, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends putting a pan of water near a heater or radiator for a similar effect.
Eye Ointments
Eye ointments, an alternative to eye drops, are available over the counter or with a prescription. These ointments are thicker than eye drops and can, therefore, cause blurry vision in some cases. So, it may be best to apply them at nighttime.
Tear Duct Plugs
Another option to prevent tears from draining away too quickly is to use punctal plugs, specially designed silicon or gel plugs. These plugs can help keep the eyes moist for extended periods.
Warm Compresses
An effective at-home solution to alleviate dry eye symptoms is using a warm compress. Dampen a clean washcloth with comfortably warm water (not hot) and gently place it over the eyes for approximately 10 minutes. This warm compress can help provide relief and improve overall eye comfort.
Expert Dry Eye Treatment at Regional Eyecare Associates
If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, it's crucial to consult one of our experienced optometrists at Regional Eyecare Associates. Our dry eye treatment options can help alleviate discomfort and maintain your eye health during the winter season.
Schedule your dry eye consultation today. With locations in Cottleville, Cuba, Hillsboro, 370 & Elm, and O'Fallon, we serve the Greater St. Louis area and surrounding counties.
