7 Tips for Managing Dry Eyes This Winter

Most things feel dry during the winter season than they usually do. Your lips, hands, and skin may feel rough or cracked. People with dry eyes also suffer a lot during the cold season. It is always best to know how to prepare for the drop in temperature and ensure you manage your condition to remain comfortable throughout. Read on to learn the tips for managing dry eyes this winter.

Use a Humidifier Indoors

Winter air can be dry, even when you are in your home. Take the opportunity and invest in purchasing a humidifier to help add moisture back into the air, whether in your office or home. The cold temperature during winter necessitates the turning on of heaters.

The heat dries out the skin and eyes. Humidifiers help combat the dry air from heating sources by making the air humid. Try to have a humidifier in any room you spend most of your time in during winter.

Have Artificial Tears and Eye Drops Close By

Carrying artificial tears or eyedrops everywhere can help manage your dry eyes during winter. Get ahead of dry eye symptoms whenever you feel irritation in your eyes. You can also use them before you even feel anything. Constantly keep your eyes lubricated and moist to feel comfortable and avoid damage.

Hydrate by Drinking Water Often

Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Winter may be cold, but keeping your body hydrated is always vital. The habit can be tough to adopt, but if you want to remain healthy, you can do it. Start by getting yourself a water bottle to encourage you to carry your water around. You can set reminders to remind you to hydrate during the day.

Constant hydration helps keep your eyes moist. Your body can always notify you that it is getting dehydrated whenever you feel thirsty. Hence, do your best to drink water even if the weather is cold.

Use Warm Compresses

Warm compresses can help relieve your eyes whenever they feel irritated or dry. The process is as simple as soaking a washcloth in water and then placing it over your closed eyes for about 10 minutes as you relax. It will help give short-term relief.

Protect Your Eyes Outdoors From Elements

Sunglasses are ideal when protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Furthermore, they help protect you from debris and dust blown by the winter winds that can irritate your eyes more. Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors during winter.

Sit Away From Heating Sources

The drop in temperature during winter can make sitting close to a heating source irresistible. However, people with dry eyes should avoid this as their condition can worsen. Use the heat but do not point the source directly at you.

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

Visit your eye doctor if you have tried avoiding things that cause your eyes to dry but the condition still worsens. Sometimes, lifestyle changes may not help some people experiencing dry eyes due to underlying reasons.

Your eye doctor will make a diagnosis and treat the primary cause of the problem. For example, if your dry eyes are due to meibomian gland dysfunction, treatment will aim at unclogging the glands.

For more about managing dry eyes, call Refined Eyecare Optometry in Torrance, California. Call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.