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A person and their cat sit comfortably in front of a heater during the colder months, using dry eye tips from Royal Oak Optometry to combat dry eye symptoms while enjoying the warmth and bright light in the room.

Managing Dry Eye Through Seasonal Changes

Nov 29, 2024

As the seasons change, so do the conditions that can affect your dry eyes. From the warmth of your home to the chill of the outdoors, many people notice an increase in dry eye disease symptoms as the weather shifts.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Eyes

In the fall, temperatures drop, and we turn on our heaters to stay warm indoors. While comfortable, this reduces humidity levels and dries out the air, triggering dry eye symptoms. If you’re prone to dry eyes, everyday activities like reading or using a computer may become increasingly uncomfortable.

As winter approaches, the cold air brings additional challenges. Reduced moisture in the environment can cause dry, irritated eyes. Symptoms often worsen during these colder months, such as:

  • Irritated eyes
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye fatigue
  • Eye discomfort

Dry Eye Tips for Fall and Winter

To help you manage dry eye symptoms, here are some practical tips:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body and eyes well-hydrated.
  2. Wear Eye Protection: Protect your eyes from cold winds by using sunglasses or protective eyewear when outdoors.
  3. Seek Professional Help: If your symptoms persist, book a dry eye consultation with one of our optometrists for personalized advice and treatment options.

The colder months also mean more time indoors and on devices. Dry eye symptoms can be heightened by digital eye strain, and/or workplace environments. We recommend practicing proper precautions for these situations in our additional eye care blog posts: The Unseen Threat: Dry Eye Disease in the Workplace, and Healthy Solutions for Digital Eye Strain.

Travelling for the Holidays? Dry Eye Tips for Air Travel

A person wearing glasses and reading on a digital screen aboard an airplane, comfortably managing dry eye symptoms with helpful tips for air travel.

Are you planning to escape the cold weather this upcoming season? Here are some additional tips to help manage dry eyes while flying:

  1. Use Eye Drops: Bring preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
  2. Limit Screen Time: Take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
  3. Wear Glasses: Opt for glasses instead of contact lenses during your flight to reduce dryness.

Find out more information on why air travel can cause dry eyes on the Optometrists Network article: Why Does Air Travel Cause Dry Eyes?.

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