Dry Eyes of Winter

Brace yourselves, winter is coming and so are dry eyes!  Winter weather conditions are one of the leading causes for dry eye symptoms.  This is because the air has less moisture (especially in Colorado!) and the wind is likely to be more intense.  Experiencing dry eye symptoms is very common. In fact, it’s experienced by nearly 20 million Americans.  Other causes for dry eye symptoms could include:

• Age
• Allergies
• Environmental conditions
• Gender
• Medications and/or medical conditions

Dry eyes can be improved at home with over-the-counter treatments including:

• Unclogging oil glands in the eyelid (the “Meibomian glands”) with warm compresses
• Cleaning your eyelids to remove oil and debris
• Blinking more frequently which allows natural tears to lubricate your eyes
• Eating foods naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon) can improve the quality of oil in tears to prevent them from evaporating too quickly
• Drinking plenty of water
• Wearing “wrap-style” sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh wind and sun
• Using a humidifier can keep the eyes moisturized even in the driest of months

If these tips don’t help alleviate your dry eye symptoms sufficiently, you might be experiencing chronic dry eye disease.  An annual comprehensive eye and vision exam with your eye doctor at Vista Eye Care can help to diagnose if you are not producing enough tears or if the tears being produced are of good quality.  Treatment options your optometrist might suggest include:

• Prescription eye drops or artificial tears that can ease inflammation in the eyes or add more moisture
• The use of punctal plugs in your tear ducts to stop excessive tear loss
• Unclogging of the Meibomian glands with an in-office procedure called “LipiFlow”
• Changing the type of contacts you use to potentially improve the dry eye symptoms you’re experiencing

Optometrists are a great resource to find dry eye relief in the winter or anytime of the year.  Dry eye conditions are not usually harmful, however, leaving them untreated can cause great irritation and may even affect your vision.  In extreme cases, damage to the cornea (the front surface of the eye) can occur if it is not adequately protected by your tear film.  Relief is on the way!  Vista Eye Care features a comprehensive dry eye clinic.  Discuss with your optometrist which treatment options and symptom management tools are best for you during your annual comprehensive eye exam!    Use the link below to schedule your annual comprehensive eye and vision emanation or call us at (303) 450-2020.