Combat your Dry Eye Symptoms to Enjoy the Holidays

Find yourself looking forward to the holidays but dreading the eye drying effects of these colder months?  While snow and rain in and of themselves are wet, winter air is actually very dry. Coupled with winter winds, the dryer atmosphere tends to lead to not just dry skin, but dry eyes. Some dry eye patients only experience symptoms during these cooler months, while others find their already annoying symptoms exacerbated.

So what can you do?

Many dry eye patients assume that staying inside and avoiding the cold, dry air and winds is the answer. However, inside environments during the winter can be nearly as irritating. Indoor heating lessens the amount of moisture in the air resulting in dry eye. You can prevent this by adding moisture to the air by using an air humidifier. In addition, you can try to limit computer and television usage as looking at these types of screens strains your eyes. Can’t avoid working on your computer? Try turning down the brightness settings on your computer and your likely to find some relief.

Of course, dry eye patients can’t avoid going outside all together. But there are measures you can take to lessen the effects of the colder, dryer winter environment. Break out your sunglasses even if it isn’t particularly sunny to keep winds from drying out your eyes. Wear goggles if you're going to be outside sledding, skiing or participating in other outdoor winter activities. If your eyes feel particularly strained, try shutting them for a few moments to allow them to re-lubricate.

Need more relief?

If your symptoms are bothersome even after taking the precautions described above, fortunately, there are many products out there to help soothe your irritated eyes.

Changes to your diet can be key as Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help stimulate tear production. MedOp’s Maxi Tears Dry Eye Formula works to relieve dry eyes with a blend of Omegas and vitamins. Tranquileyes goggles are an option as well. This product provides eye hydrating therapy to soothe and restore dry, tired eyes by creating a humid, warm environment which stimulates tear production and slow the evaporation of tears.

If you sense your symptoms aren’t due to the weather, but are due to some underlying issues, check with your doctor to see if you might be suffering from Blepharitis (swelling or inflammation of the eyelids, usually where the eyelash hair follicles are located) and/or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (abnormal composition of secretions from the meibomian glands on the eyelids which can cause Blepharitis). If this is your issue, consider an eyelid scrub to prevent clogging of the Meibomian glands along your eyelid. In addition, you may want to consider a lipsome spray. Ocusoft offers both eyelid cleansers, lidscrubs, and liposome sprays to promote proper eyelid hygiene.

You shouldn’t have to equate the holiday months with a time of uncomfortable eye irritation. By knowing what causes dry eye during these colder months and how you can effectively combat it, you can get on the path to avoiding the issue all together.

For more dry eye treatments and general optical information, check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

photo credit: michael*choi via photopin cc