Cold air and cozy heaters can dry out your eyes fast. Learn how to fight seasonal dry eye in Glassboro with tips and treatments from our eye doctor at Accent on Eyes.
Why Dry Eyes Are Worse in Winter
You’d think cold weather would hydrate your eyes — but the opposite is true. The chilly months are notorious for drying out your skin and your tear film. If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling gritty, itchy, or just plain uncomfortable when the weather turns cold, you’re not alone.
Winter is one of the most common seasons for patients in Glassboro to report symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). That’s because cold winds, indoor heating, and lower humidity levels all reduce the quality and quantity of your tears — which are your eyes’ natural defense system.
And it doesn’t stop with discomfort. Poor tear production can affect your vision, your ability to wear contact lenses, and even your sleep.
Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
If your eyes often feel worse during the colder months, you might have seasonal dry eye. Look out for symptoms like:
- Blurry vision
- Redness or irritation
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Feeling like there’s sand in your eyes
- Excessive tearing (yes, even watery eyes can mean they’re dry!)
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Winter dry eye can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Adults over 50, women experiencing hormonal shifts, and those with autoimmune conditions tend to struggle most with DES.
You’re also more at risk if you work on screens all day or spend time in places with forced air — like schools, offices, and shops with central heating.
What Makes Dry Eye Worse in Winter?
There are three main environmental triggers that cause your eyes to dry out in the winter:
- Dry Indoor Heating: Most buildings rely on heating systems that zap moisture out of the air. Without humidity, your tears evaporate more quickly.
- Cold, Windy Air: Wind can strip moisture from your eyes, especially if you don’t wear wraparound sunglasses or eye protection.
- Reduced Blinking: People naturally blink less when reading, driving, or looking at screens. This can lead to tears drying out faster.
For some patients, allergies and sinus medications can make symptoms worse. Others experience a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which often flares up in the winter and disrupts the tear film.
Treating Dry Eyes in Winter: What Works
If you’re tired of dealing with winter-induced eye discomfort, you’re not stuck using artificial tears forever. At Accent on Eyes, we treat the root causes of dry eye — not just the symptoms.
Dr. Berger and the team use cutting-edge diagnostics like TearLab, InflammaDry, and LipiFlow to measure tear quality and gland function. These tools help pinpoint exactly why your eyes aren’t producing or retaining enough moisture, which means you get targeted treatment and faster relief.
Dry Eye Treatment may include:
- Prescription-strength eye drops
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- In-office heat and pressure therapy (LipiFlow) for blocked oil glands
- Punctal plugs to slow tear drainage
- Moisture chamber goggles to protect eyes from wind
If over-the-counter solutions haven’t helped, or if your symptoms return every year, our dry eye assessments can help get to the bottom of it.
Dry Eye Treatment in Glassboro, NJ
Winter eye irritation doesn’t have to be your new normal. At Accent on Eyes, we help patients manage their dry eye symptoms and keep their vision comfortable all year long.
We’ll take the time to evaluate your symptoms, understand your lifestyle, and recommend solutions that match your needs. If you’ve tried everything and still feel like your eyes are constantly tired, itchy, or watery — we can help.
Ready to finally find lasting relief for dry eyes in winter? Schedule your dry eye appointment to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Eye
Why do my eyes water more in the winter if they’re dry?
Watery eyes are actually a symptom of dryness. Your eyes try to overcompensate for lack of lubrication by producing more tears — but these reflex tears are poor in quality and evaporate quickly.
Can heating systems make my dry eye worse?
Yes. Forced air heating removes moisture from the environment, which dries out your eyes. Using a humidifier can help rebalance indoor humidity levels.
Will eye drops cure my dry eye?
Over-the-counter drops can offer temporary relief but aren’t a long-term fix — especially if your dry eye stems from gland dysfunction or inflammation. Our clinic offers advanced treatments that go beyond eye drops.
Is winter dry eye dangerous?
While not typically dangerous, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal damage, eye infections, or blurred vision if left untreated. It’s best to get checked if symptoms persist.
How long does it take to feel better after treatment?
Some patients feel relief within days; others take a few weeks depending on the severity and the treatment type. LipiFlow, for example, provides gradual but long-lasting results.
