Winter Dry Eye: Why Symptoms Get Worse and What You Can Do
Winter in North Dakota brings freezing temperatures, strong winds, and months of indoor heating—all of which can make dry eye symptoms noticeably worse. If your eyes feel gritty, irritated, or tired during the colder months, you’re not alone.
Understanding why dry eye flares up in winter—and knowing how to manage it—can help you stay comfortable and protect your eye health all season long.
Why Winter Weather Makes Dry Eye Worse
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Several winter-related factors can disrupt this balance.
Cold Air and Wind
Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture. Wind exposure can cause tears to evaporate faster, leaving the surface of the eye dry and irritated.
Indoor Heating and Low Humidity
Forced-air heating systems significantly reduce indoor humidity. Dry indoor air speeds up tear evaporation and is one of the most common triggers for winter dry eye symptoms.
Increased Screen Time
Shorter days and colder weather often mean more time spent indoors on phones, tablets, and computers. Staring at screens reduces how often you blink, which can worsen dryness and eye fatigue.
Seasonal Illness and Medications
Cold and flu medications—especially antihistamines and decongestants—can reduce tear production, contributing to dry eye symptoms during winter months.
Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye can feel different for everyone, but common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging
- Gritty or sandy sensation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness or irritation
- Light sensitivity
Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
Who Is More Likely to Experience Dry Eye?
Dry eye is especially common in:
- Adults over age 50
- People who spend long hours on screens
- Contact lens wearers
- Individuals with autoimmune conditions
- Patients who have had eye surgery
- Those living in cold, dry climates like North Dakota
What You Can Do to Relieve Winter Dry Eye
Use Artificial Tears
Preservative-free lubricating drops can help keep the eyes moist. Your eye doctor can recommend the best option for your symptoms.
Add Moisture to Your Environment
Using a humidifier at home or work helps combat dry indoor air caused by heating systems.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and cold air.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce screen-related eye strain and encourage blinking.
Stay Consistent With Eye Care
If you’ve been prescribed treatments for dry eye—such as medicated drops, warm compresses, or lid hygiene—stick with them throughout the winter.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
If over-the-counter solutions aren’t providing relief, or if your symptoms worsen, it may be time for a dry eye evaluation. Chronic dry eye can affect vision quality and daily comfort if left untreated.
The doctors at Eye Consultants of North Dakota can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized treatment options to help keep your eyes comfortable—no matter how cold it gets outside.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation
If winter dryness is affecting your comfort or vision, schedule an appointment with Eye Consultants of North Dakota today.