Winter is going to make things chilly and lower indoor and outdoor humidity. These conditions make dry eye symptoms much more apparent in people prone to them. Today’s post from eye experts at Vienna Eyecare Center shares six tips to make the season more tolerable for your dry eye symptoms.
- Use Artificial Tears Wisely- One of the first recommendations for managing dry eye symptoms is the use of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops or artificial tears. These can provide temporary relief by supplementing the moisture your eyes are struggling to retain. Choosing the right type of eye drops is crucial. If you find yourself needing to apply them more than four times a day, consider preservative-free options to avoid potential irritation. Additionally, for severe dryness, gel or ointment-based tears applied at bedtime can help maintain moisture overnight.
- Preserve Indoor Humidity- The air inside your home or office can become especially dry during winter. Utilizing a humidifier adds much-needed moisture to the air, easing the symptoms of dry eye. This is particularly effective in spaces where you spend significant amounts of time, such as your bedroom or workplace.
- Protect Your Eyes Outdoors- Stepping outside into the brisk winter can be a challenge for dry eyes, as the winds and cold air dry out your tears more rapidly. Wearing wraparound sunglasses or protective goggles not only shields your eyes from the wind and debris but also preserves the moisture your eyes desperately need.
- Make Lifestyle Adjustments- An important yet often overlooked aspect of managing dry eye in winter involves making informed lifestyle changes. Remember to blink regularly, especially when using screens for extended periods, to promote natural tear production. Adjusting the direction of heat sources away from your face, staying hydrated and including omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can all contribute to healthier tears and more comfortable eyes.
- Clean and Warm Your Eyelids- Implementing a routine of gently cleaning and warming your eyelids can make a significant difference. Warm compresses stimulate the glands responsible for oil production in your tears, improving tear quality and preventing rapid evaporation. Cleaning the eyelids helps unclog these glands, further aiding in the relief of dry eye symptoms.
- Consult an Optometry Expert in Vienna- While the above tips offer substantial relief, they may not address the root causes or more severe cases of dry eye. Anyone with persistent or severe dry eye symptoms should consult with an optometry professional. Vienna Eyecare Center provides comprehensive assessments to get to the bottom of your dry eye issues, offering personalized treatment plans to ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable, regardless of the season.
If you need an eye doctor’s professional opinion on your dry eye symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Vienna Eyecare Center. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out this contact form to get started.