Cold weather brings its own kind of beauty to Waupaca, Wisconsin, but it also brings dry winter eyes that leave many patients searching for relief. As the temperature drops, the tear film that protects your eyes changes. Tear production slows, natural tear evaporation increases, and the combination often triggers symptoms of dry eyes during winter.
At Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca, our eye doctors see these concerns rise every year once the winter months settle in.
How Winter Weather Disrupts Your Eyes
Dry eyes in winter start with simple environmental shifts. Cold, dry air and indoor heating all compromise the stability of your tear film. When your natural tear balance changes, dry eye symptoms follow. The most common winter triggers include:
- Cold weather reduces tear production. The cold slows the natural tear response, which leaves the eye less protected and more prone to irritation.
- Dry air indoors and outdoors pulls moisture from the eyes. Furnaces, fireplaces, and frigid winds increase evaporation of the natural tear layer.
- Indoor heating lowers humidity. Warm, dry air increases evaporation, leading to burning or stinging sensations.
- Screen time rises during the winter months. Increased time indoors means more time on digital devices, which reduces blinking and speeds up tear evaporation.
- Contact lens wear becomes more uncomfortable. Lenses dry out faster in winter conditions, which increases friction and irritation.
- UV rays reflect off snow. Bright winter light and UV exposure create sensitivity and tear film instability, even on cloudy days.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes During the Winter
Small changes make a big difference during the winter months. These tips help improve tear film stability and reduce irritation throughout the season.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture back into dry indoor air.
- Drink water throughout the day to support natural tear production.
- Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and UV rays.
- Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet to support healthy, natural tear quality.
- Choose artificial tears or eye drops labeled for dry winter eyes and avoid formulas with redness reducers.
- Position heaters, fans, and car vents away from your face.
- If you wear contact lenses, switch to a more hydrating lens material during winter or ask one of our eye doctors at Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca for guidance.
These habits help prevent dry eyes, although patients with chronically dry eyes often need additional support.
Treatment Options for Dry Eyes at Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca
Winter dryness affects everyone differently, and effective dry eye treatment during winter requires a tailored plan. Once our eye doctor identifies the source of irritation, treatment may include:
Prescription Eye Drops
Some patients need more than over-the-counter artificial tears. Prescription eye drops reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and protect the surface of the eye during harsh winter months. These formulas support natural tear balance and prevent the burning sensations many patients feel in cold weather.
Advanced Dry Eye Procedures
When the oil glands in the eyelids become clogged, the tear film becomes unstable. Thermal treatments gently warm and relax the glands, restoring natural oil flow. This provides long-term comfort during the driest months of the year.
Scleral Lenses for Severe Dry Eye
Patients with severe dry eye often benefit from scleral lenses. These large, custom-fit lenses create a pocket of hydrating fluid that cushions the eye throughout the day. This is especially helpful during winter when dry air and cold weather increase irritation for those with chronically dry eyes.
Nutritional Support
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in healthy tear production. Patients who add omega-3-rich foods or supplements often experience smoother, more stable tears. This helps counter the effects of indoor heating and dry air.
Guided Use of Artificial Tears
Not all artificial tears or eye drops work the same way. Some formulas protect against cold-weather evaporation better than others. During your dry eye visit, we help you choose the best eye drops for winter dry eye based on your symptoms and routine.
When to Schedule a Visit for Winter Dry Eye
Winter is a busy season in Waupaca, Wisconsin, yet timely care prevents minor irritations from developing into more persistent dry eye issues. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with one of our eye doctors if:
- You wake up with irritation or burning more than a few times a week.
- Artificial tears no longer give meaningful relief.
- Indoor heating causes frequent stinging or blurry vision.
- You wear contact lenses but struggle with dryness during the winter months.
- You notice watery eyes, a sign of tear film instability.
Get Comfortable Eyes This Winter in Waupaca, WI
Winter can put real strain on your eyes. Cold weather, dry air, and long periods of screen time all contribute to dry eyes during winter, yet relief is always possible with the right plan.
Book your eye care appointment at Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca in Wisconsin, and our eye doctors will identify what your tear film needs and guide you toward treatments that restore comfort through the coldest months.
Winter Dry Eyes FAQs
Why are dry eyes worse in winter?
Cold weather slows tear production and increases natural tear evaporation. Indoor heating also dries the air, disrupting the tear film and making eyes feel irritated.
Can dry winter eyes improve with home care alone?
Some patients improve with humidifiers, sunglasses, warm compresses, hydration, and omega-3 fatty acids. Others need targeted treatment when symptoms become persistent.
Does screen time make dry eyes worse during the winter?
Yes. Blinking decreases during screen use. This increases tear evaporation, especially in dry indoor air.