How to Protect Your Eyes in Dry Weather
There are a number of conditions, both severe and harmless, that cause dry eyes. Depending on the cause of your dry eyes, they will be managed differently and with different success rates. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience dry eyes in the absence of dry weather to diagnose a potentially more serious problem.
If you are experiencing dry eyes in windy, dry weather, you may want to consult your doctor on how to relieve this symptom as well. Stay informed on how to reduce or eliminate the discomfort of dry eyes in dry weather.
Dry Eyes in Dry Weather
There are several symptoms patients experience in dry eyes from dry weather. These symptoms include a burning sensation in the eyes, sore eyes, itchy eyes, dryness, red eyes, aching sensations, heavy or fatigued eyes, light sensitivity and/or blurred vision.
There are several treatments for dry eyes such as a multitude of types of artificial tears or the home remedy of humidifying your home.
Artificial Tears
For situational cases of dry eyes caused by dry weather, you may want to consider artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops as an option. These options should be used frequently to continuously moisturize the eye.
There are a great many brands of artificial tears. Because of the variety of artificial tears and lubricating eye drops choosing the best product for you may be overwhelming. It is not for lack of availability, as a prescription is not needed for these products, that you should consult your doctor about which eye drops may be best for you.
Over the counter artificial tears and other eye drops that help with dry eyes in dry weather come in a variety of viscosities or thicknesses.
If the viscosity of the artificial tears you choose is low, it will be light and have the consistency of water. Although the soothing effects of low-viscosity eye drops are brief, they do not cause blurred vision or discomfort when they are first applied. This makes them a viable candidate for daytime activities like working, reading and driving. They are fast acting, but they must be used frequently to be most effective.
Conversely, if the viscosity of the artificial tears you choose is high, it will be thick and gel-like. Although these types of artificial tears provide longer lasting relief, your vision will be blurred for the first few minutes after application. High-viscosity artificial tears are recommended for use at bedtime when you do not need to perform tasks quickly and have your eyes readily available, as is the case when you are active during the workday or while driving.
Be certain to follow your treatment plan outlined by your doctor for whichever brand your doctor recommends. Use your artificial tears properly, with the correct frequencies and applications. If your doctor suggests a certain type of artificial tears are right for you, do not stray from the brand your doctor recommends without first consulting with them. Doing so could make it harder to assess the success of your dry eye treatment.
Humidifiers
If your home environment becomes dry (as in the cold winter months) to the point where your eyes are not staying lubricated, you may want to consider humidifying your home. Buying a humidifier for your dry eyes in the home is one of the best ways to counteract the problem. If cost is an issue, you may want to consider leaving the shower on hot in the bathroom for several minutes and allowing steam to build up in the house.
Schedule a Visit
If you are experiencing dry eyes in the winter, speak to your doctor about how you can relieve discomfort. Schedule a visit with Dr. Ghosheh of Laser for Eyes for a comprehensive eye exam and to discuss your treatment options for your dry eyes. If you have further questions, take a look at Dr. Ghosheh’s medical blog for further information on dry eyes and other eye conditions.