Credit: Retro Spectacle
Winter can be beautiful - frosty mornings, warm drinks, and cosy evenings, but for anyone who suffers from dry eyes, it’s also one of the toughest times of the year.
Dry eye syndrome can’t usually be cured completely, but it can be managed effectively. With the right habits and small lifestyle tweaks, you can keep your eyes feeling more comfortable through the colder months.
Here’s your go-to guide for understanding and managing dry eyes in in winter - straight from the eyewear expert’s at Retro Spectacle.
Credit: Pexels
Why Dry Eyes Get Worse in Winter
Winter weather creates a perfect storm for dryness - literally. Here are the main culprits behind that seasonal irritation
Central Heating 🔥
When temperatures drop, we all turn up the thermostat. But central heating reduces indoor humidity, drying out both skin and eyes. The lack of moisture in the air makes tears evaporate faster, leaving your eyes sore and irritated.
Low Humidity Levels
Cold air naturally holds less moisture, so winter air is drier by default. Moving between chilly outdoor air and heated rooms speeds up tear film evaporation, leading to that itchy, gritty sensation.
Wind Exposure 🌬️
Ever wondered why your eyes stream on a windy day? That’s your body trying to compensate for tear evaporation caused by gusts of wind. A simple fix: wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to create a barrier and protect your eyes.
Top Tips to Prevent and Manage Dry Eyes 👁️
These simple adjustments can make a huge difference to how your eyes feel this season
- Blink More Often - It sounds obvious, but when focusing on a screen, TV or phone, we blink far less than we should. Consciously blinking more frequently helps spread tears evenly and keeps the eyes lubricated naturally.
- Stay Hydrated - Your tear film relies on proper hydration, sop make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the days. The NHS recommends 6-8 glasses daily. If you struggle with plain water, try herbal teas or add fruit for flavour.
- Shield Your Eyes - Wearing spectacles or sunglasses with UV protection helps in more ways than one. They reduce glare, block harmful UV rays and act as a wind shield for your eyes.
Explore our sunglasses collection to find the perfect pair for protection and style.
- Consider Eye Health Supplements - Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy tear film, and supplements with Luetin and Zeaxanthin protect against age-related macular changes. We like Viteyes 2 plus Omega -3 , a well-formulated option that combines both, and offers subscription savings.
Credit: Viteyes
- Use a Humidifier: Add moisture back into the air with a humidifier - a simple yet effective fix. Not only does it ease dry eye symptoms, but it also benefits your skin, throat and sinuses. You can find excellent options at a range of prices, making this a worthwhile winter wellness investment.
Bonus Tip: Schedule an Eye Check-Up
If your eyes remain sore or irritated despite these tips, visit your local optician or eye care specialist. They can help identify underlying causes and suggest treatments like lubricating drops or heat masks for meibomian gland dysfunction.
In Summary 👁️❄️
Dry eyes in winter don’t have to be inevitable. By protecting, hydrating and nourishing your eyes, you can reduce discomfort, and enjoy the season with clarity and comfort.
And if you’re spending more time indoors this winter, consider prescription lenses with blue light filters or UV-coated sunglasses for outdoor protection.
Shop Glasses & Sunglasses for Winter Eye Comfort