Why do Dry Eyes Feel Worse in the Winter?

Eye dryness, itchiness, and other uncomfortable sensations are something we all occasionally experience in our lives. Yet, if these problems persist, you may have dry eye syndrome. This prevalent ocular condition occurs due to an inadequate quantity or quality of tears, which are tasked with lubricating and protecting the eyes. Therefore, leaving this ailment untreated can lead to daily discomfort, reduced vision, and, potentially, damage to various eye tissues.

So, there’s no better time than now to seek relief in Lake Worth or Delray Beach, FL, as many patients’ dry eyes get worse in winter as the humidity drops. Simply contact us today to explore top-notch treatments at Palm Beach Eye Center.

The importance of treatment for dry eye syndrome

In addition to causing discomfort via a variety of symptoms, including itching, inflammation, redness, excessive tearing, achiness, and light sensitivity, dry eye syndrome can also affect your daily productivity or ability to complete necessary tasks by disrupting your vision. As such, people with dry eyes sometimes have difficulty driving at night or wearing contact lenses. Additionally, dry eye sufferers may experience ocular fatigue, mucus discharge in or around the eyes, and numerous uncomfortable sensations, including stinging or burning.

Those experiencing the previously listed symptoms should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Dry eye syndrome can not only adversely affect your vision but also increase the risk of certain complications, such as infections that could lead to ocular damage. And since leaving this disorder untreated deprives the eyes of the lubricating, protective quality of tears, it could put you at higher risk for abrasions, inflammation, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.

Plus, dry eyes are commonly caused by some underlying issues. Detecting and diagnosing this issue allows us to help protect your long-term eye health and vision while offering you the most effective treatment strategies possible for your unique needs. These treatment strategies may include eye drops, punctal occlusion to preserve your tears, or LipiFlow to unclog your eye’s oil-producing glands.

Why do my dry eyes feel worse in the winter?

While millions of individuals suffer from the various life-disrupting symptoms of dry eyes throughout the year, for many, it gets even worse during winter. Whether inside or outside, the decreased moisture of the winter months is to blame. Though due to different reasons: while spending time outdoors, the humidity drops dramatically because cold air can hold less moisture than warm air. And this exacerbates dryness. The seasonal decrease in humidity is echoed on the inside due to indoor heating, which creates a drier environment.

Additionally, it’s helpful to note that many take antihistamines to alleviate the effects of allergies, which may be more severe during certain seasons. In these cases, some antihistamines can bring about the unintentional consequence of increasing eye dryness.

Explore dry eye treatments in Palm Beach County

Why suffer the pain, discomfort, and vision-reducing symptoms of dry eye syndrome a day longer than you have to? Our expert eye doctors are dedicated to helping you achieve an optimal outcome, and dry eye relief can be a phone call or message away. So, contact Palm Beach Eye Center today to see how we can best serve you in Lake Worth or Delray Beach, FL.