Common dry eye symptoms
- Red eyes
- Burning or stinging in the eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
Here are some tips for preventing dry eye:
- Blink often. Blinking helps to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. When we blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the front of the eyes, continuously redistributing the tear film to ensure that the eyes remain hydrated and moist.
- Try artificial tears. Artificial tears act as a substitute for your natural tears, when your eyes cannot produce enough fluid to maintain moisture. These over-the-counter eye drops or ointments can help relieve mild dry eye symptoms. They can be used as often as needed to increase eye moisture and comfort.
- Use a humidifier. Dry heat can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly and worsen dry eye symptoms. To protect your eyes (and skin) from drying out, keep a humidifier on throughout the night. Some humidifiers can even be perched on your desk at work, helping to protect your eyes while you’re at the office too.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day is not only healthy, but also helps to keep your skin and eyes hydrated.
- Warm compresses every night. Warm, wet compresses can help to soothe dry eye symptoms and open any blocked oil glands in the eyelids. Make this part of your bedtime routine to improve eye moisture and help you to relax after a long hard day.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors. Sunglasses with polarized lenses will shield your eyes from harsh winter winds that can cause dry eyes, and harmful UV rays that continue to radiate from the sun even when it’s cloudy outside.
When to see a doctor
Occasional dry eye symptoms due to weather changes aren’t usually cause for concern. You’ll usually notice your symptoms worsen when you’ve been outside or in a very hot room.
However, if OTC treatments and preventive methods don’t help improve your symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your health condition.