Winter weather can be surprisingly harsh on your eyes, leading to irritation, redness, and excessive dryness. This is due to a perfect storm of environmental factors: freezing temperatures outdoors and dry, forced-air heat indoors create significant changes in humidity that can deplete your eyes’ moisture film.

Here are three essential steps to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy until spring:
Hydrate and Lubricate: Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops frequently throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time near heat vents or fireplaces.
Don’t Forget the Sunglasses: Snow is highly reflective and intensifies the sun’s UV rays, which can lead to a painful condition called photokeratitis (or “snow blindness”). Always wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles when enjoying winter activities.
Mind the Wind and Cold: When walking outside, cold wind and low humidity can cause tears to evaporate quickly. Large, wraparound sunglasses or eyeglasses can serve as a physical barrier to protect your eyes from the harsh elements.

If you’ve been battling persistent dry, itchy, or watery eyes this winter, don’t ignore it. Dry eye syndrome often requires professional evaluation and treatment to find lasting relief.

Give your eyes the protection they deserve this season.

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