Dry eyes are one of the common difficulties that you may face especially during the winter months of the year. This is quite normal however, the symptoms that come with dry eyes can be disturbing. Itchiness and redness are some of the common symptoms that can be noticed when you have dry eyes.
Dry eyes can also be caused in other months of the year, however, it can take extreme forms in the winter months. This is due to the lower humidity content present in the atmosphere. If you are living in an area with extremely dry and cold winds, you stand a greater chance of having dry eyes during this particular season. In some extreme cases, severe pain can also be experienced if you are having this particular condition.
However, it is important to note that even if the condition can be quite bothersome, you can treat the same with a lot of effective tips and tricks, that can help you moisturize your eyes and maintain the right level of hydration. This article is all about such methods that you may try your hands on, in order to get rid of the condition.
4 Tips to Cure Dry Eyes in Winter
1. Artificial tears
Artificial tears come in the form of eye drops and can be easily purchased even without the prescription of a medical practitioner. You may apply the same in your eyes around 6 times a day. You may reduce the frequency of application if you do not have an extreme issue with dry eyes. However, if you feel the need to apply the tears in a greater frequency, make sure you pay a visit to an expert ophthalmologist and then talk about your condition.
Even if you are taking these artificial drops from a drugstore, it is important to check the list of ingredients that you can find in the package. If you find any kind of preservatives in the same, make sure you are not applying the tears regularly for a prolonged period of time. If you are someone with contact lenses, you need to get a separate package made exclusively for people like you.
2. Eye ointments
Eyes ointments can also be considered a great option if you would like to treat the dryness of your eyes. Eye ointments are made in a thicker consistency. Unlike artificial tears, they are not meant to be applied frequently on a daily basis.
The best time to apply an eye ointment is just before you go to sleep. The thicker consistency of the eye ointments may blur your eyesight, hence applying this during the nighttime can be more beneficial and convenient. When it comes to the method of application, this is supposed to be applied like an eye kohl in the inner lower lash line. You may buy this from any drugstore near you and you would be able to see the label of PM ointments on the package.
3. Indoor humidifiers
It is quite common for people to reach out to indoor heaters during the winter months of the year. Generally, the humidity content in the atmosphere would be significantly lesser in the winter months of the year. And when you have indoor heaters on top of that, it can further reduce the humidity content in the indoor air. However, it is practically not possible to completely quit the usage of indoor heat during the freezing winter months. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may consider investing in an indoor humidifier.
However, humidifiers can be of immense help, when it comes to improving the dryness of your eyes, there is an increased risk for the humidifiers to attract bacteria and molds to them since there will be a natural moisture content in them. Hence if you are planning to install an indoor humidifier in your home, make sure that you are cleaning it regularly and preventing any chances of infection inside your house. Apart from that, it is also quite important that you place it in a safe place, out of reach of children in your house if there are any.
4. Warm compress
A warm compress is one of the most natural ways through which you can combat the dryness in your eyes. And it is also one of the most inexpensive ways through which you can get the purpose served. Apart from that, it is also important to look after the cleanliness of the wash clothes you are using to make a warm compress since your eyes are one of the most sensitive areas in your body, that are highly prone to infections.
You may apply the compress for at least a period of 10 min and thus improve the moisture content in your eyes. This can also help significantly to reduce the severity of the symptoms such as itchiness and redness that you may experience when you have dry eyes.
Dry Eyes: Prevention
If you are prone to having dry eyes during the winter months of the year, you may also follow some of the effective preventive measures that can help you stay away from the condition, rather than treating them. For this, it is suggested that you minimize your heater usage indoors and thus retain the moisture content in the atmosphere.
You may also add omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet, which can serve the purpose of the food you consume. You may also consider wearing wrap-around glasses while going out during the winter months of the year. Reducing the usage of hair dryers and blowing dry air directly into your eyes can also help.
Read More: 5 Effective Ways To Protect Your Eyes In Winter
Conclusion
Now you know what to do if you are struggling with dry eyes during the winter months of the year. It is also important to check with your ophthalmologist if you do not find any of these remedies and treatments working out for you. Apart from that, it is also important to hydrate yourself by increasing your fluid intake during these months. Moreover, it is also important to analyze your regular medications consumed for any other medical conditions, since some of them can lead you to dry eyes and itchiness due to their chemical composition.
References
- Kumar N, et al. Satellite-based PM concentrations and their application to COPD in Cleveland, OH. Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology. 2013;23(6):637–46. [PMC free article]
- Pouyeh B, et al. Impact of ocular surface symptoms on quality of life in a United States veterans affairs population. Am J Ophthalmol. 2012;153(6):1061–66. e3. [PubMed]
