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.
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.
