How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

With colder temperatures comes colder air, leading to dry eyes and nasal airways. This time of year does not have to be spent enduring burning and/or watery eyes though. There are a few products and tricks you can use to keep your eyes feeling refreshed and comfortable. What causes dry eyes? Your eyes are lubricated by a tear film that consists of three layers. The three layers are lipid (oil), mucus, and aqueous (water). Eyes become dry when these layers are out of balance. Dry eyes can be a constant problem, but it can also happen temporarily. When your eyes do not produce tears properly or when those tears evaporate too quickly, you end up with dry eyes. This condition not only causes you discomfort, but it can also make it difficult to do everyday tasks like using a computer or reading a book. Seniors are more likely to develop dry eyes, but it can occur at any age. Winter is the season when people experience this condition the worst. It is the time of year when the air has less humidity (moisture), and furnaces are used to heat the air, making it even drier. Those factors combined with windy conditions and sun glare can intensify dry eye symptoms throughout the winter. What are the symptoms? Dry eyes may cause your eyes to sting, burn, or feel scratchy. It can also cause these uncomfortable symptoms: ● Redness ● Light sensitivity ● Fatigue ● Excess mucus around the eyes ● Increased irritation of smoke or wind ● Feeling like something is in your eye ● Watery eyes ● Trouble wearing...