For many people, winter doesn’t just bring chilly temperatures and shorter days—it also brings dry, irritated eyes. If your eyes become itchy, red, or excessively watery as soon as the air turns cold, you’re not alone.
But why does this happen? Seasonal allergies have disappeared along with the last autumn leaves, yet your eyes still feel uncomfortable in the cold. The truth is, winter weather creates ideal conditions for dry eye, leading to irritation and vision disturbances even when allergens aren’t a factor.
At eyecarecenter, we know how frustrating winter dry eye can be. That’s why our experienced eye doctors have put together this guide to explain why dry eye symptoms worsen during the colder months—and, most importantly, what steps you can take to find lasting relief.
Most of the time, we don’t give much thought to our eyes—until discomfort sets in. Our eyes are complex, self-regulating organs that not only process light to create vision but also have built-in protective mechanisms to maintain their delicate structure. One of these essential systems is the tear film, a thin layer of moisture that keeps the eyes lubricated and free from irritants.
A healthy tear film consists of three layers: a mucous layer that helps tears adhere to the eye’s surface, an aqueous layer that provides hydration, and an outer lipid layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. This delicate balance is maintained by the meibomian and lacrimal glands, which work together to ensure the eyes stay moist and comfortable. However, when any part of this system is disrupted—whether due to environmental changes, genetics, or underlying health conditions—the tear film becomes unstable, leading to dry eye syndrome.
One of the most unexpected symptoms of dry eye is excessive tearing. When the tear film starts to degrade, the body reacts by producing more tears. However, because these tears lack the proper oil and mucous components, they evaporate too quickly, failing to keep the eyes properly hydrated. As a result, the eyes remain dry and irritated, despite the increased tear production.
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including shifts in humidity, exposure to wind, smoke, or dust, and even certain medical conditions like ocular rosacea or autoimmune disorders. Identifying the root cause of dry eye is essential for finding the right treatment and restoring long-term comfort.
Symptoms include:
A persistent itching or burning sensation
Red eyes
Excessive watering
Blurred vision
The presence of stringy mucous
A feeling of eye fatigue or strain
Environmental conditions play a significant role in triggering dry eye, and winter presents the perfect combination of factors to make symptoms worse. Both outdoor and indoor elements contribute to increased eye dryness, making winter one of the most challenging seasons for those prone to irritation, itchiness, and excessive tearing.
Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air, leading to lower humidity levels during winter. When the air is dry, it pulls moisture from wherever it can—including your eyes. The tear film, which keeps your eyes hydrated and protected, evaporates more quickly in these conditions, leaving them feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
Winter isn’t just dry—it’s also blustery. Just as riding a bike without eye protection or standing in front of a fan can dry out your eyes, exposure to cold, gusty winds can quickly deplete the moisture in your tear film. This can lead to redness, irritation, and a gritty, scratchy sensation that makes your eyes feel more uncomfortable than ever.
As temperatures drop outside, indoor heating becomes essential for staying warm. However, heated air significantly reduces humidity levels in homes, offices, and cars, creating another dry environment for your eyes to battle. Just like how heating can dry out your skin, it also pulls moisture from your eyes, exacerbating dry eye symptoms even when you're indoors.
Winter often means spending more time inside, which usually leads to more hours in front of screens. Whether you’re working from home, watching your favorite shows (70% of Americans love a good binge-watching session!), or endlessly scrolling through social media, extended screen time can worsen dry eye symptoms. When staring at digital devices, people naturally blink less, reducing the natural lubrication that keeps eyes comfortable. Combine this with dry indoor air, and you have a recipe for tired, irritated eyes throughout the winter months.
Winter dry eye is a common seasonal concern, but the good news is that it can often be managed with a few simple adjustments to your daily routine. From boosting indoor humidity to using lubricating eye drops, these strategies can help keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable all winter long.
One of the best ways to combat dry eyes in winter is by using a humidifier. Cold air naturally holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems only make matters worse by further reducing humidity levels. This lack of moisture causes tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to increased dryness and irritation. A humidifier helps by adding moisture back into the air, creating a more eye-friendly environment. Running one in your home or office can make a big difference in preventing dry, itchy eyes throughout the colder months.
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer—they’re a must-have accessory in winter as well. They serve as a protective shield against harsh winter winds, reducing tear evaporation and keeping your eyes more comfortable.
Sunglasses also play a crucial role in preventing photokeratitis, or snow blindness. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, increasing the risk of temporary eye damage. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection helps protect your eyes from both wind and harmful UV exposure, ensuring clearer, healthier vision even in bright, snowy conditions.
Your eyelids contain tiny oil-producing glands, known as the meibomian glands, which help stabilize your tear film. When these glands become blocked, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry and irritated eyes.
A warm compress can help stimulate these glands and promote better tear quality. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, place it over your closed eyes, and relax for about 10 minutes. This easy, soothing treatment can improve moisture retention and provide much-needed relief from winter dryness.
It may sound simple, but blinking is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy tear film. The problem? When focusing on screens—whether working, watching TV, or using smartphones—people tend to blink far less than usual. This reduction in blinking leads to increased tear evaporation and worsening dry eye symptoms.
To encourage healthy blinking habits, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This practice helps refresh your tear film, reduce strain, and keep your eyes hydrated, especially during long periods of screen use.
If dryness persists, lubricating eye drops can help supplement your natural tear film. Over-the-counter artificial tears, such as Refresh or Systane, provide instant hydration and relief from irritation. Keeping a bottle of artificial tears on hand during winter can be a simple yet effective way to manage dry eyes and maintain long-lasting comfort.
For many people, simple at-home remedies can effectively manage winter dry eye, helping them enjoy the colder months without discomfort. However, if your symptoms persist despite trying these treatments, it may be time to seek professional care.
If your eyes remain dry, irritated, or excessively watery even after using artificial tears, adjusting your environment, and taking breaks from screens, an eye doctor can help determine the root cause of your symptoms and recommend more advanced treatment options. Additionally, if you experience sharp pain, extreme light sensitivity, or a sudden decline in vision, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. These could be signs of a more serious eye condition that requires prompt attention to prevent potential vision complications.
See your eye doctor if you experience:
Continuing symptoms of dry eye after trying at-home treatments
Worsening symptoms, including red, swollen eyes
Sharp or extreme pain
A sudden drop in vision
Winter brings crisp air, festive celebrations, and beautiful seasonal scenery, but it can also lead to uncomfortable, dry, and irritated eyes. Instead of spending the season battling itchy, watery vision, you deserve to enjoy everything winter has to offer with clear, comfortable eyesight. If you experience ongoing dryness and irritation during the colder months, you may be dealing with winter dry eye.
Fortunately, most cases of winter dry eye can be managed with simple at-home treatments and minor lifestyle adjustments. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, the eye care professionals at eyecarecenter are here to help. Our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye, offering personalized solutions to restore comfort and protect your vision all season long.
Don’t let dry eye take the joy out of winter—schedule an appointment at your nearest eyecarecenter today!