#180: How to get Dry Eye Relief in the Winter Season
I like to refer to the winter season as Dry Eye Season to my patients. In most parts of the country, winter is the driest season. When the temperature is cold outside, the moisture comes out of the air. Then, we turn our heaters on indoors to combat those cooler temps. Now, the indoor air is dry as well.
It is important this time of year to provide your eyes with extra moisture. I like to think about hydrating my eyes in 3 ways:
Check out these easy steps you can take to get Dry Eye Relief this Winter...
#1) Hydrate from the Inside
Make sure you are continuing to do the things that are good for your eyes and your health during the winter season. Continuing to take your omega 3 fatty acid supplement is a great idea. I have seen some amazing results with my patients who stick with HydroEye on a regular basis. It is just 2 capsules twice a day with food.
HydroEye gives your body the building blocks of healthy tears. It gives you the fuel you need for your eyes even if you are not eating your regular diet. This interview with the makers of HydroEye explains how it supports your eye health. Check it out here
#2) On the Surface
#3) From your Environment
Moisturize the environment where you're spending the most time by adding a humidifier. Whether you use a warm mist or a cool mist humidifier, they will both put moisture into the air. It's not that important to distinguish between a warm mist or a cool mist humidifier. Getting the moisture into the air is the key.
Warm mist humidifiers are a little easier to use because the heat kills the bacteria that might otherwise accumulate in the sitting water. It's less of an effort to keep it clean. And, it's a bit easier to use in the winter time, because you want the warmth as well.
If you are using a cool mist humidifier, there are some benefits to this one, too. Cool mist humidifiers are more quiet. And, they're safer to use when you have kids running around that might dump it over and burn themselves.
Place the humidifier in the area that you're spending the most time. Use it in the bedroom while you're sleeping. Then, move it into the living room or the office, wherever you are spending your day time. Desktop size humidifiers are also available that you can place next to your desk and feel that comfortable moisture around your eyes all day long while you work.
CONCLUSION
The winter season is the hardest for most dry eye sufferers. You can get dry eye relief this time of year by adding moisture in 3 different ways.
Add soothing oils to your eyes by taking a nutritional supplement that supports healthy tears. HydroEye is specifically formulated to help build a healthy and stable tear film.
Keep your eyes hydrated while sleeping with a gel or ointment at bedtime. The air in your bedroom can be extra dry this time of year. Adding a moisture barrier inside the eye can help you wake up with eyes that feel refreshed. And, make sure you are using the best artificial tear for your situation. Download the Artificial Tear Guide here.
Increase the humidity in the surrounding air by using a humidifier. Place the humidifier in the area where you spend the most time. You can also consider using a desk top version for your work space.
Happy Winter. Enjoy this season.
