Home > Media Center > Patient Newsletter > January 2012 - Buffalo > Dry Eyes Common, Treatable in Winter

Dry Eyes Common, Treatable in Winter

Dry eyes are commonly experienced by most people at some point in the winter months, when humidity is low and dryer air is created by heating systems. Symptoms can be an intermittent blurring of the vision, sandy or gritty feeling, or sensation that something is in the eye when there is not. Sometimes, dry eye can cause excessive tearing, the body’s natural response to the dryness that doesn’t effectively solve the problem. If seasonal, and not the result of other medical conditions, most cases of dry eye are easily treatable with over the counter remedies:

• First, use artificial tears to moisten the eye. These should provide relief. However, if you need to use them four to six times a day, you should consult your doctor.
• Then, apply a warm compress twice a day. There is an oily, nutritive layer to human tears that coats the eye to keep natural tears in them, providing necessary moisture. The hot compress warms the tear glands in the eyelids and causes the oil to run into the eye, coating it and keeping tears from evaporating.

If you do not find relief from either treatment, consult your physician. Dry eyes can cause the cornea to become inflamed and break down, leading to vision loss.  Your doctor is able to determine the best treatment option available for you, or refer you to an eye specialist.

Also remember to protect your eyes in winter with sunglasses – the sun is still strong and reflects off the snow – and wear appropriate eye protection when driving or taking part in winter activities such as skiing or snowmobiling.