Dry eyes are a common problem, estimated to affect nearly half of adults in the United States during their lifetime. While the condition can strike at any time, an increasing number of people are finding that their symptoms are worse during the winter. These symptoms can include dryness, irritation, soreness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.
 

Why is dry eye often worse in the winter?

Dry eye exists year round, but it is often found to be worse in the winter months. This is due to a combination of factors. The first is the lower temperature and winter air, which contains less moisture than it does in the summer months. When you combine this with the use of artificial heaters, the air becomes extremely dry and uncomfortable. You probably notice your skin getting drier in the winter. Well our eyes do too. Add wind, dust or bright sunshine to the mix and it’s easy to see how eyes can dry out quickly. Some allergies are more prevalent in the colder season too, including dust mites, animal dander and mold. These too can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eyes.
 

What treatment is available for dry eye?

There are a lot of different treatments that are proven to reduce the effects of dry eyes. At first you may be recommended to make some changes to your lifestyle. This could include cutting out smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, if these changes alone don’t reduce your symptoms significantly, your dry eye doctor may suggest some more specific treatments. These could include:

Topical solutions.

There are various types of eyedrops available, and which you’ll be prescribed may depend on what your eye doctor believes to be the underlying cause of your dry eye. Possibilities including artificial tears, steroid eyedrops, anti-inflammatory eyedrops and allergy eyedrops. Alternatively, you may be recommended to try a medicated gel or ointment.

LipiFlow.

LipiFlow is a popular treatment for dry eye caused by blockages in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil that makes up a crucial component of healthy tear film. This thermal pulsation device delivers heat and movement to the glands to clear blockages and restore function.

Warm compression and manual massage.

If you don’t want to undergo LipiFlow treatment, you can create the same effects at home using a warm compress and gentle massage.

IPL treatment.

IPL or intense pulsed light is an alternative to LipiFlow and uses intense beams of focused light to break down blockages in the meibomian glands so that tear film quality and quantity is restored.

Punctal plugs.

If your dry eye doctor believes your dry eye to be a result of tear film draining from the eyes too quickly, you may be recommended to have punctal plugs. These tiny biocompatible devices are found in the drainage channels of the eye, slowing the rate at which tear film leaves the eyes and keeping it on the surface for longer.
 

What can I do to prevent dry eye?

Fortunately, there are a range of things that you can do which can help keep dry eye at bay and make you less likely to suffer from the uncomfortable and even debilitating effects of this condition. Here are our top tips for preventing dry eyes in winter.

• Keep your home as cool as you can tolerate. Artificially heated environments tend to make dry eye symptoms worse so avoid using the heaters as much as possible. If necessary, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

• When you go outside, wear sunglasses to try and protect your eyes from the cold wind, which can very quickly cause tear film to evaporate. Wraparound styles offer the greatest protection as they prevent cold air from sneaking in around the sides of the frames.

• If you are doing a task that requires visual concentration, take regular breaks to allow your eyes to rest and reset. Look at objects much further away and blink regularly to encourage tear film over the surface of your eyes.

• Take supplements. Omega 3 supplements are proven to help reduce dry eyes and improve overall eye health. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a suitable candidate for supplements.

• Drink plenty of water. Water is crucial to hydration and keeping all body systems – including those which are responsible for creating tear film – working properly.

• Take a break from contact lenses. Although there are some contact lenses that can be safely worn by patients with dry eye, it may be better to take a break from wearing contacts altogether.

For more information about the causes, treatment and prevention of dry eye, don’t hesitate to speak to our expert eyecare team at Positive Eye Ons by calling our office in West Hollywood, CA at (323) 651-5646.