Winter and Dry Eyes - How To Keep Your Eyes Comfortable In the Colder Months

As the weather gets colder and central heating becomes a daily necessity, many people notice their eyes feeling unusually dry, irritated or gritty. Dry eye syndrome is increasingly common — affecting about one in four people in the UK.

The condition occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough lubricating tears, or when the tears produced are of poor quality. This leaves the eye’s surface dry and irritated. The body may respond by producing watery tears, but without the oily layer needed for lubrication, the relief is short-lived.

Cold, windy weather and low humidity indoors make things worse. Heating systems dry out the air and our tears evaporate more quickly. On top of that, winter often means more screen time — and fewer blinks — so the eyes get even less natural moisture.

The result? Burning, redness, blurred vision and that gritty sensation, sometimes accompanied by excessive watering.

There are several things we can do ourselves to improve the discomfort during the colder months.

• Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier at home or work to combat indoor dryness.
• Protect your eyes outdoors: Wraparound sunglasses shield your eyes from wind and cold.
• Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Warm compresses: A few minutes a day can improve your tear quality and soothe irritation.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish or flaxseed oil) may help support tear production.
• Lubricate eyes regularly: Preservative-free artificial tears help maintain comfort throughout the day.
   

If your eyes remain dry, painful or red despite these efforts, it’s time for a professional assessment. Persistent dry eye may signal underlying inflammation or blocked oil glands — both of which can be effectively treated.

Book an appointment with one of our expert optometrists to receive personalised advice and relief from dry eyes this winter.