Preventing dry eyes and eye irritation in winter
Winter offers plenty to look forward to but can also cause physical discomfort thanks to the cold, dry air and often unpredictable weather. Many people experience dry eyes in the winter months and seek irritated eye relief. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn common causes, dry eye symptoms and how to manage dry eyes in winter.
Causes of dry eyes and eye irritation in winter
Cold air and low humidity levels
The cold air of winter naturally contains less moisture and lower humidity levels. When the environment is dry like this, your tears will evaporate more quickly. Because tears are a natural lubricant for your eyes, this dryness leaves them less protected and more likely to feel irritated and uncomfortable.
Indoor heating systems
When it’s cold outside, we naturally seek warmth indoors, usually through a combination of cozy blankets and indoor heating systems. Unfortunately, these heat systems also strip the natural moisture from the air inside your home or workplace.
The more time you spend in these environments, the more likely you are to experience eye irritation, such as dryness or grittiness.
Wind exposure
In addition to blowing your hair everywhere, the harsh winter winds can also deplete your natural tears, leaving your eyes more exposed and vulnerable to cold and dryness.
Recognizing symptoms of dry eyes and eye irritation
Common dry eye symptoms
You probably have dry eyes if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- Excessive tearing
- Gritty sensation
- Redness
- Stinging or burning
- Sensitivity to light
Dry skin around the eyes
Having dry eyes can also affect the surrounding skin, especially in the winter when your whole face is exposed to the elements. You may notice flaky, dry skin around the eyes, which could be worsened by cold air outside or heating systems indoors.
Remedies and tips for preventing dry eyes in winter
Using eye drops for dry eyes
Using eye drops in the winter can be helpful, but not all of them are created equal, and some can even worsen eye irritation.
Choose preservative-free options to replenish moisture and keep your eyes hydrated. For nighttime, choose lubricating ointments instead of eye drops because they coat your eyes better and provide lasting relief overnight.
Indoor humidifiers
Humidifiers restore moisture to the air inside during the winter, which counteracts the drying effects of heating systems. Maintaining humidity levels between 30% and 50% can prevent tear evaporation, reducing eye dryness and discomfort.
Protective eyewear
If the cold air outside bothers you, it’s helpful to have winter goggles or other wraparound glasses to help shield your eyes. This protection also helps your eyes retain moisture by preventing tear evaporation and blocks common irritants like dust from getting into your eyes.
Additional lifestyle tips for winter eye health
Staying hydrated
Your body is comprised of about two-thirds water at any given time, but these levels fluctuate through normal processes like sweating and using the bathroom. Refilling your fluid levels is important to support your overall health, but proper hydration also benefits your eyes by allowing for adequate tear production.
Rather than gulping water when you’re thirsty, try sipping water regularly throughout the day or alternate with warm herbal teas.
Taking breaks from screens
Screens are a part of modern life, but their regular use is known to promote eye dryness. Practice the 20-20-20 rule, in which every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Set a timer to help you plan for these breaks. This can reduce eye strain and prevent dryness from staring too long.
Avoiding rubbing eyes
When your eyes are irritated, it’s tempting to rub them, but this can worsen the irritation of delicate tissues and spread germs during cold and flu season. Instead, try other ways of alleviating irritation, like using a cool rag or artificial tears.
When to seek medical attention for dry eyes
Some people are more significantly affected by dryness and eye irritation in the winter than others. If your eye symptoms worsen despite home remedies, you may want to speak with your eye doctor. Chronic dry eyes may indicate an underlying health condition, like dry eye disease, that requires more personalized treatment options.
If you’re experiencing eye dryness, irritation or another health concern or injury this winter, we are ready and equipped to help. We accept walk-ins at a facility near you, or you can make a telemedicine appointment.
Sources
- Madden LC, Tomlinson A, Simmons PA. Effect of humidity variations in a controlled environment chamber on tear evaporation after dry eye therapy. Eye Contact Lens. 2013 Mar;39(2):169-74. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0b013e318283dfc6. PMID: 23411993.
- Zemanová M. DRY EYE DISEASE. A REVIEW. Cesk Slov Oftalmol. 2021 Winter;77(3):107–119. English. doi: 10.31348/2020/29. PMID: 34107689.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on February 25th 2025.
