If your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or irritated this winter, you're not alone. Wisconsin winters are dry, cold, and windy, making them especially hard on your eyes.
At Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca, we diagnose and treat dry eye all year long, but winter is when our patients really start to feel it. Learn more about dry eye for customized relief that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
What Causes Winter Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when your tears evaporate too quickly. It’s a common condition, but here in Waupaca, winter’s cold, dry air makes symptoms worse.
If you spend a lot of time near heaters or fireplaces, or you enjoy ice fishing, skiing, or walking outside on windy days, your tear film is constantly under stress. That’s when irritation kicks in.
The tear film is a delicate balance of water, oil, and mucus that keeps your eyes comfortable and clear. When cold air and low humidity disrupt that balance, you may start to experience discomfort or even inflammation.
Why Dry Eye Symptoms Worsen in Cold Weather
Cold air and dry indoor heat are a bad combination for tear film stability. In Waupaca, winter dry eye symptoms are especially common due to:
- Forced heat indoors: Heating systems reduce indoor humidity, drying out your eyes faster
- Sub-zero temperatures: Cold slows tear production, especially when your face is exposed.
- Windy conditions: Wind strips away moisture from the eye’s surface
- Outdoor activities: Snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter sports expose eyes to harsh conditions
- Increased screen time: We blink less when using screens, and we use them more when we’re stuck indoors
Together, these factors increase the risk of dry eye flare-ups, even in patients who typically don’t experience them the rest of the year.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms in Winter
You might think your eyes are just tired, but if you’re noticing these symptoms frequently, dry eye could be the cause:
- A gritty or sandy feeling
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Blurry vision that improves when you blink
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Excessive tearing (a sign your eyes are overcompensating)
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
These symptoms can start mild but tend to worsen without care. The good news? There’s a lot we can do to help.
Dry Eye Treatment in Waupaca, WI
At Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca, we take a comprehensive approach to dry eye treatment. Every case is different, which is why we start with a detailed evaluation using modern diagnostic tools to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Whether winter weather, screen time, or other health factors trigger your symptoms, we’ll help you understand what’s going on and create a treatment plan that actually works.
Because we’re right here in Waupaca, we understand the local climate and how it affects your eyes. We don’t just offer textbook treatments; we tailor care to fit the needs of patients who live in the same environment we do.
Best Winter Dry Eye Treatments at Home and In-Office
For many patients, a few changes at home can make a big difference. We often recommend:
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes from wind and cold
- Applying warm compresses to unclog oil glands and improve tear quality
- Limiting screen time or following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
When at-home remedies aren’t enough, we offer in-office solutions designed to restore long-term comfort. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and increase tear production
- LipiFlow® to gently heat and massage the eyelids, restoring natural oil flow and relieving symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction
- MDElite treatments to target blocked glands and improve tear stability using advanced thermal technology
Our team will guide you through each step so you understand your options and feel confident in your care.
Schedule a Winter Dry Eye Exam in Waupaca
Don’t let dry eyes disrupt your winter routines or get in the way of enjoying the season. If your eyes feel irritated, blurry, or uncomfortable, it’s time to get help.
Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Advanced Family Eyecare in Waupaca today and discover how good your eyes can feel, even in the coldest months of the year.
We’re proud to serve patients from Waupaca and surrounding communities. We’re always here to provide personalized care that keeps your vision clear and comfortable, no matter the season.
Request an eye care appointment online or give us a call; we’ll take it from there.