#201: Winter Dry Eye Relief

Winter can be the driest season of the year in many locations around the world. Having your heater on indoors combined with the lack of humidity outdoors can put a strain on your eyes ability to keep up with keeping themselves moisturized.

Here are a couple of tips to give your eyes relief during the Winter season.

1. Stay Hydrated: Winter air tends to be dry, both indoors and outdoors. Ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Proper hydration supports tear production, helping to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

   The dry eye drink, is a sugar-free supplement that can increase your hydration 2-3 times more than by drinking water alone. This is an additive that you can add to your water to keep you hyper hydrated. Check out this blog post to learn more about it. 

2. Use a Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air. Central heating systems can contribute to dry indoor environments, exacerbating dry eye symptoms. A humidifier helps maintain a more comfortable level of humidity, preventing excessive evaporation of tears.

   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. Learn more about the differences between warm and cool mist humidifiers in this blog post.
3. Wear Sunglasses: Even in winter, exposure to sunlight and harsh winds can contribute to dry eyes. Winter often brings chilly winds, and direct exposure to these winds can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dry eyes. Sunglasses act as a barrier, shielding your eyes from the drying effects of cold, brisk winds and preventing excessive moisture loss.  Wear a pair of wrap around sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the elements. If you'd like more information on choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for your sensitive eyes, check out this blog post.
4. Protecting the Skin Barrier: The skin on the eyelids is thin and sensitive. Cold, dry air can compromise the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and inflammation. Moisturizing helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. I love to apply Get Growing Serum from twenty/twenty beauty to my eyelids before I sleep in the winter time. I gently rub a drop onto my eyelids. And, I don't worry about getting the serum in my eyes. The ingredients are safe and beneficial for your eye health. 
    

CONCLUSION:

Enjoy the festivities this winter season whether your indoors or outdoors. There is a way to protect your eyes from the elements and not feel like you have to miss out on life because your eyes will hold you back. If you'd like to learn more about taking care of your eyes in winter, grab the Winterize Your Eyes course here.