Everyone’s eyes occasionally feel dry or itchy. However, these symptoms can intensify in the winter, when bitingly cold temperatures, wind and high thermostats aggravate eyes even further. If dry eyes are bothering you, don’t wait for symptoms to subside on their own. Here, Boston LASIK surgeon Ernest Kornmehl shares his best tips for relieving dry winter eyes.
Don’t Overdo It on the Heat
It might be cold outside, but that’s no reason to blast your eyes with heat. Point your car’s air vents away from your face so the heat doesn’t dry out your eyes. Use a humidifier at home or at the office to add moisture to the indoor air.
Use a Warm Compress
At the end of a long day that leaves your eyes feeling dry and fatigued, apply a warm compress to the eyes. This is not only soothing, but it might also help open up clogged glands in your lids.
Toss Waterproof Eye Makeup
Women experiencing chronic dry eyes in the winter should clean out their makeup bag and toss waterproof eye makeup. These products are abrasive and difficult to remove. As for eye makeup remover itself, it can potentially strip the natural oils from the surface of the eye. Try using gentler coconut oil.
Supplement Your Diet
Your diet can affect the health and wellness of your eyes. Add omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements into your daily diet to improve tear quality and promote healthy eyes. Ask your primary care physician about specific brand recommendations and dosing information. Also, drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Wear Sunglasses Outside
Wear sunglasses with wraparound frames whenever going outside; these will reduce your exposure to excess light, wind and other elements.
Blink More Frequently
If you do a lot of reading or computer work, you might find that blinking more frequently gives you some relief. Try to take regular breaks to look away from the computer screen or documents and give your eyes a break.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
The severity of dry eyes can vary; simple cases may be soothed with artificial tears or special ointments, whereas others require prescription medication or punctum plugs. In certain cases of chronic dry eye, a treatment known as LipiFlow may clear tear gland obstruction to relieve symptoms. Consult with your eye doctor to confirm diagnosis and explore the appropriate treatment for your case.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kornmehl, please contact Kornmehl Laser Eye Associates today by calling (781) 237-3366 or by sending us an email.