Winter Dry Eye Tips
Simple Ways to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable This Season
Winter can be a tough time for your eyes. The cold wind outside and the warm, dry air inside can make even healthy eyes feel sore or irritated. Many people tell us they feel dry eyes, gritty eyes, or notice itchy eyes more often once the temperature drops. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference.
Why Do My Eyes Feel Drier in Winter?
Cold air doesn’t hold much moisture, so every time the wind hits your face, the tears on the surface of your eyes evaporate faster. When you step indoors, the heating systems can dry out your eyes even more. Many people also spend more time on screens during winter, which makes blinking less frequent and increases dryness. If you’re over 50, your tear film naturally becomes less stable, so winter can hit a bit harder. All of this adds up to that familiar feeling of irritation, blurred vision, or even dry eyelids.
Is My Winter Eye Discomfort Something More Than Dryness?
Most people notice burning, scratching, watering, or blurry patches during the day. You might even experience dry eyes at night, which can make falling asleep less comfortable. Some people develop dryness under their eyes or redness from rubbing. If your symptoms are getting worse, happening every day, or affecting driving or reading, it’s worth booking a quick check. A simple dry eye test can help us understand what’s happening on the surface of your eye, so we can protect your long-term comfort.
Everyday Habits That Make a Real Difference
Small changes throughout the day can really help, such as drinking more water, or keeping a bowl of water near a radiator to help add moisture to the room. Warm compresses at home can support the waxy glands in your eyelids. If you use screens a lot, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, stop, take a 20 second break and look at something 20m away) to reduce strain and support eye strain relief. Also, try not to have heaters blowing directly at your face - it dries the eyes surprisingly fast.
Let’s Talk About Eye Drops and What Actually Helps
There are so many eye drops on the shelves that it can feel confusing. Many people reach for artificial tears first, which are often a helpful dry eye solution because they add moisture back to the eye’s surface. If allergies make your symptoms worse, then allergy eye drops or drops for itchy eyes can offer relief. If redness is bothering you, we can help you choose the best eye drops that won’t make things worse in the long run. The right choice depends on what your eyes truly need, so it’s always better to ask.
Is It Still Safe to Wear Contact Lenses in Winter?
Yes, but it’s worth choosing the right type. People with dryness often do better with newer materials that hold more moisture. We can help you find the best contact lenses for dry eyes, especially if your current lenses make your eyes feel tired by the afternoon. Some patients also do well with daily disposable contact lenses for dry eyes, which stay fresh and feel comfortable for longer.
Professional Help: What We Can Check During a Winter Visit
If winter is becoming a season of extreme dry eyes, it’s worth getting things looked at properly. During a dry eye appointment, we can check how well your tear film is working, how healthy your tear glands are, and whether inflammation is playing a part. We use advanced tools to look closely at the surface of your eyes so we can give you the right eye treatment. We specialise in treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to stimulate the meibomian glands, and use clinic-based heat and lid-massage protocols. We also offer tear-duct syringing for watery eyes, or punctal plugs to block drainage and retain tears when the watery part of your tear film is low. Some people need help with blocked eyelid glands, while others need support for eyelid hygiene or tear stability. The goal is simple: clearer, calmer eyes all winter long.
Should I Book an Appointment Now?
If your discomfort is new, getting worse, or happening more often in winter, it’s a good time to let us take a look. Early help can prevent symptoms from becoming something you have to deal with every day. Many people are surprised by how much better they feel once the real cause is identified. Our dedicated dry eye clinic in Bristol offers a full assessment, including tear-film imaging, gland-function measurement and bespoke treatment plans tailored to you. If you’re already experiencing dry eyes, winter is the perfect time for a check-up, so we can help protect your eyes for the months ahead. You deserve clear, comfortable vision all year round.