Winter means colder temperatures and winds, lower humidity levels, and stuffy homes. Unfortunately, this combination can wreak havoc on your eyes. Since moisture will evaporate far faster than usual, your eyes may become red, itchy, and gritty. If you have been officially diagnosed with dry eye by an optometry professional at Eye Site in Katy & Houston, TX, winter can be even worse for you.
4 Tips for Winter Dry Eye
The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort of dry eye in the winter.
#1: Invest in a Humidifier
When you add a humidifier to the main areas of your home—and even your office—you can easily restore some of that needed moisture to the warm indoor air. A portable machine works, but there are also in-house systems to consider.
#2: Avoid Direct Heat
One of the worst culprits of direct heat to the face is in your vehicle. This direct heat can cause dryness of the eyes. So, when in the car, make sure that the heat is directed toward the body and not the face. Of course, the same is to be said for interior space heaters, open fires, etc.
#3: Protect Your Eyes
You may assume that sunglasses are for the summer, but they can be worn year-round to protect your eyes from all the different elements. Quality sunglasses can protect your eyes during the winter from cold, brisk winds, the sun, and more.
#4: Use a Warm Compress
Your eyes deserve a spa day occasionally, especially during the dry season of winter. Each morning and/or night, place a warm compress over the eyes. This will help to soothe irritated eyes while also unclogging ducts so that the production of tears can occur easily.
Get Dry Eye Treatment and Our Optometry Services in Katy & Houston, TX
If you would like to learn more about managing dry eye and its symptoms throughout the winter and rest of the year, reach out to our optometry team at Eye Site in Katy & Houston, TX. Call us at (281) 644-2010 for Katy, TX, and (713) 984-9144 for Houston, TX.