Eyes feeling scratchy, irritated or like there’s something gritty stuck in them? You’re not imagining it. Dry eyes tend to flare up in winter and there’s a pretty solid reason why.
Your eyes hate heaters
Cold air outside and blasting heaters indoors? It’s a nightmare for your eyes.
Winter air naturally holds less moisture and when we crank the heating inside, it strips even more humidity from the air.
This dry environment means the thin tear film that normally keeps your eyes moist and protected can evaporate way faster than it should, leaving your eyes sore, dry and constantly craving relief.
Think of it like this: your skin gets drier in winter, right? Your eyes are no different. But unlike your skin, they can’t be slathered in moisturiser; they need a bit more TLC.
It’s not just the cold
Winter weather isn’t the only culprit. Throw in gusty winds, smoke from fireplaces and long housebound hours staring at screens (yep, we’re all guilty) and it’s no wonder your eyes are struggling.
Plus, when we’re cold, we naturally blink less especially when glued to a screen. Blinking helps refresh the surface of your eyes with a fresh layer of tears. So, when you’re not blinking enough, your eyes start to dry out, fast.
Dry eyes aren’t just annoying - they can be a red flag
Occasional irritation is one thing, but if you're:
- Waking up with blurry vision
- Feeling that gritty, stinging sensation throughout the day
- Constantly reaching for eye drops
…it’s time to visit your trusted local optometrist.
Dry eye can be a sign of something more going on beneath the surface, from allergies and hormonal changes to autoimmune conditions or side effects from common meds.
Your optometrist can help uncover what’s driving the issue and create a tailored treatment plan to help you feel human again.
How to give your eyes a break this winter
Here are some easy tweaks that can make a big difference:
- Turn the heater down a notch and keep it from blowing directly at your face
- Use a humidifier (or pop a bowl of water near your heater - old school but it works)
- Take regular screen breaks
- Stay hydrated
- Try lubricating eye drops (not all are created equal, so check with your optometrist)
- Book an eye exam ASAP if things aren’t improving
Dry, irritated eyes don’t need to be your winter norm. If you’re constantly uncomfortable or relying on drops eevery day, it’s time to call in on the experts.
Your local optometrist can personalised treatments that work, not just band aid fixes.
Use our Find An Optometrist search tool to book an appointment today.
