As the weather becomes colder, many people may experience worsening dry eye symptoms. Cooler temperatures, drier air, and increased indoor heating can all contribute to eye irritation and discomfort.
This makes it essential to understand how these changes affect your eyes and what you can do to find relief at Lucent Family Eye Care in Burnaby.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition caused by the eyes not producing enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
Environmental factors like seasonal changes and underlying issues like blocked eye glands or prolonged screen time can trigger this condition. It can also lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Eye irritation and inflammation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Excessive tearing as your body attempts to compensate for the dryness
- Waking up with dry eyes
How Seasonal Changes Worsen Dry Eye Symptoms
Several factors contribute to the worsening of dry eye symptoms during the fall and winter months:
- Dry Air: Cooler weather often means lower humidity levels outdoors and indoors. Indoor heating systems can dry the air around you, causing rapid tear evaporation and eye inflammation.
- Windy Conditions: Fall and winter winds can cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to eye irritation and discomfort.
- Increased Screen Time: Screen use often increases as the days get shorter and people spend more time indoors. This can reduce your blink rate and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Environmental Pollutants: As people spend more time indoors during colder months, exposure to indoor pollutants like dust, pet dander, and smoke increases.
- Dietary Changes: During the fall and winter, people often change their diets to include more comfort foods, which may be lower in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to eye health.
Managing Dry Eye Symptoms During Seasonal Changes
If you notice that your dry eye symptoms are worsening with the changing seasons, there are several steps you can take to manage and alleviate your discomfort:
- Use Dry Eye Drops: For severe cases, our dry eye clinic can offer prescription eye drops that moisturize your eyes. Request a consultation for a thorough evaluation.
- Consider Dry Eye Syndrome Contacts: If you wear frames, switching to contacts specifically for dry eyes can significantly improve your comfort level. All you have to do is schedule a contact lens exam with us.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home can help keep your eyes hydrated.
- Protect Your Eyes Outdoors: On windy days, wear wrap-around sunglasses to shield your eyes from the drying effects of the wind.
- Take Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule by taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
Visit Our Dry Eye Clinic in Burnaby
While seasonal changes can make dry eye symptoms more challenging, taking proactive steps by visiting Lucent Family Eye Care can help you maintain comfort, schedule an eye exam, and protect your vision.