Dry Eyes in Winter: Key Things to Know

Many people don’t realise how the winter season can impact our eye health. Understanding how and why you might be experiencing dry, irritated and itchy eyes can help us take better care of our eye health during this time of year. Here, we’ll take you through the most important facts to be aware of.

Are dry eyes common in winter?

Dry eyes can be more common during winter because of changes in the weather. But why is this the case? The lower humidity and cold winds can strip moisture from the eye’s surface. The heating in our homes and cars is normally cranked up at this time of year, too, causing evaporation of moisture from the eyes leading to discomfort. So, even if the dry, cold weather itself doesn’t cause dry eye during winter, it could still be caused by lifestyle choices you’re making during this time of year.

However, this doesn’t mean that dry eyes aren’t still commonly experienced all year round. Dry eyes can be caused by multiple factors, meaning some may be more likely to experience this condition during other seasons like spring and summer rather than autumn and winter.

Symptoms of dry eye

Common symptoms of dry eye, whether you experience it during winter or all year round, can include dryness, blurriness, tiredness, soreness, watering and itching.

Winter dry eye symptoms are typically linked to the changing weather and other lifestyle changes made during this time, although this doesn’t normally affect which symptoms appear.

How to reduce the risk of dry eye in winter

We all know the effect winter can have on our general health. That’s why we take precautions to bundle up in warm jackets, boots, scarves and gloves before heading out. Whilst you can’t control the weather, there are some ways you can protect your eyes during winter and make sure you can still enjoy your usual activities. Below are a few of our top suggestions:

Avoid exposing your face and eyes to direct heat, particularly from car heaters, which can cause your eyes to feel dry, sore and gritty.
Don’t put your sunglasses away! Wear sunglasses with UV protection all year round. In winter they provide protection against low winter sun and the glare from snow or ice. Plus, they can provide added protection from the cold winds.
Common colds and flu can cause your eyes to become irritated and sore. Prevent cross infection of coughs and colds by washing your hands well before touching your eyes.
Central heating in the home creates a dry atmosphere, so you should consider using a humidifier or opening the windows for a few minutes on a cold day.

How to treat dry eye symptoms in winter

Treating and managing dry eye symptoms in winter can be as simple as using suitable eye drops to keep the eyes sufficiently hydrated. Choose drops that do not contain preservatives, phosphates, parabens or perfumes, since these can irritate the eyes further. The right eye drops can help your eyes feel comfortable during the winter season and all year round.

If you’re struggling to manage symptoms of dry eye during winter, we suggest seeking the advice of your eye care professional.

Eye drops for dry eyes in winter

We recommend using Thealoz® Duo eye drops, which are 100% preservative-free and contain a special combination of ingredients to protect, hydrate and lubricate your eyes. Clinically proven to provide long-lasting relief, Thealoz® Duo remains sterile for up to 6 months from opening, thanks to its unique, innovative bottle design1.

TheaLipid® dry eye drops are also ideal for those dealing with symptoms like watering, streaming and a burning sensation. These drops contain a unique combination of natural ingredients, mimicking the natural oily (lipid) layer of the tear film. This helps control how quickly the tears evaporate.

Do you wear contact lenses or use screens more often and notice symptoms of dry eye during winter? Hyabak® dry eye drops are recommended because the formula offers excellent hydration and comfort. With an easy-to-use bottle and natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, these drops offer quick and easy relief from the most common symptoms of dry eye.2

Maintaining a good eye care routine is key to healthy eyes. If you’re ever concerned about your eyes, we recommend speaking to an eye care professional.

For those who experience dry eye during the winter months, we hope this information and advice can help you manage the condition. With the right eye drops to support your winter eye care routine, it can be quick and easy to bring comfort and relief to your eyes.

1. Schmidl D, Schemetterer L, Wltkowska KJ, et al. Cornea (2015): 34(4): 421–6
2. Hyabak patient leaflet - https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0582/8398/2999/files/Hyabak_PIL_Current_June_2024.pdf?v=1718019739