Winter is well and truly upon us, and Christmas is just a few days away. While the chilly season brings much joy and merriment, it might also bring a less welcome gift – dry and uncomfortable eyes.
Read on to find out more about why you get dry eyes, common symptoms, and how you can treat dry eyes this winter.
Why Do Eyes Get Drier In Winter?
Dry eyes are more likely to happen in winter because of windy and cold weather conditions. We also expose our eyes to more dryness when we’re indoors because of an increased use of central heating.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Dry Eyes?
There are several symptoms and signs to look out for when it comes to dry eyes, including:
- red eyes
- itchy, stinging or burning sensations in your eyes
- light sensitivity
- scratchy or gritty feeling in your eyes
- blurry vision
- fatigued eyes
The above symptoms can affect anybody at any time. However, some people may be more prone to suffering from dry eyes – for example, older people, those who wear contact lenses, or those with diabetes.
However, if you only notice a problem in winter with dry eyes, it’s most likely to be caused by your eyes not producing enough tears, or poor quality tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
How to Treat Dry Eyes?
Dry eye treatment is often straightforward. We recommend you try some of these easy steps:
- Wear Glasses
Contact lens wearers may want to take a break from wearing their lenses and try wearing glasses for a few days. Glasses also help to protect your eyes from wind and debris getting into your eyes.
- Take Regular Screen Breaks
When we spend hours staring at screens, we often don’t blink as much as we should. Taking regular breaks and remembering to blink during these breaks can help to lubricate your eyes.
- Try Eye Drops
Eye drops can help to relieve dry eye symptoms and provide your eyes with the lubrication they need.
Contact Murray Opticians Drumchapel
If none of the above treatments helps to relieve your dry eye symptoms, then we recommend contacting us for a dry eye assessment at our opticians in Drumchapel.