Dry Eyes In Winter: Causes, Treatments, And 4 Tips For Relief, As Per Ophthalmologist

It’s not unusual to experience dry eyes in winter. A significant number of people experience dry eyes due to harsh winter weather. While we can’t do anything about the weather conditions, we can at least learn the causes and treatments to ensure healthy eyes and efficient vision. Dr Vishal Arora, Senior Consultant - Cataract, LASIK, Keratoconus and Dry Eye Specialist, Eye Care/Ophthalmology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gurugram shared tips to bring relief from dry eyes.

Causes Of Dry Eyes

According to Dr Vishal Arora, the dry eyes in winter are because of the dry environmental conditions and excessive exposure to heaters. The heaters decrease the humidity and increase the dryness. Here are some of the common reasons as per the National Eye Institute:

• Prolonged screen time
• Side effects of certain medications
• Environmental allergies
• Health conditions such as diabetes

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Treatment For Dry Eyes

Here are the treatments for dry eyes that you can consider:

Avoid Excessive Exposure To Heater

Dr Vishal highlights that heaters can decrease the humidity and lead to dryness in the eyes. He suggests avoiding long exposure to heated environments. If you are using heaters then Dr Arora recommends using a humidifier. Additionally, make sure to regularly clean your humidifier as moisture can attract bacteria and molds.

Use Eye Drops

Dr Vishal recommends using eye drops to prevent dry eyes. However, he advises to consult an ophthalmologist before using any eye drops.

Avoid Frequent Eye-Washing

We are often advised to frequently wash our eyes but Dr Vishal Arora says, it’s a myth. Frequent eye washing actually leads to more problems, he explains. Instead, he advises, using cold compress for allergies and hot compresses if the glands are blocked. However, he advises consulting an ophthalmologist before trying these.

Artificial Tears

According to The National Eye Institute, artificial tears can be used to help restore the natural moisture to your eyes. However, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist before using artificial tears to treat your dry eyes.

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Remember, there can be several reasons for dry eyes and treatment might vary. So, consult an ophthalmologist to find the real reason and try the recommended prescription only.

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