#224: Winter Dry Eyes: Protect Your Eyes from Indoor Heating

This winter has been anything but typical. Across the South, we've seen record temperatures and snowfall in places that rarely experience it. But for many of us, it’s not just the cold weather that’s affecting our eyes. The bigger problem is the indoor heat.

Why Does Indoor Heating Make Dry Eye Worse?

When temperatures drop, we naturally turn up the heat indoors. But heaters remove moisture from the air. And this creates a dry environment causing your eyes to sting, burn, and feel irritated. If you've noticed your dry eye symptoms worsening recently, your heating system might be the culprit.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Eyes Comfortable

 The good news? You don’t have to suffer through the season. Here are a few easy ways to combat dry indoor air and keep your eyes feeling their best:

• Use Artificial Tears Frequently

  Keep a bottle of preservative-free artificial tears handy and use them throughout the day to keep your eyes hydrated. Regular lubrication can help counteract the moisture loss caused by indoor heating. Here's one of my favorite preservative-free tears.

• Apply a Gel or Ointment at Night

  Before bed, use a thicker gel drop or an ointment to provide lasting moisture overnight. This creates a protective barrier that helps prevent your tears from evaporating while you sleep. Check out the differences between gels and ointments here.

• Wear a Sleep Mask

  If you wake up with dry, irritated eyes, try wearing a sleep mask. It can help shield your eyes from dry air circulating in your bedroom and lock in moisture.

• Use a Humidifier

  Adding moisture back into the air with a humidifier can make a difference in your comfort. Place a warm or cool air humidifier next to your bed while you sleep and in the room where you spend most of your time during the day. Learn the difference between warm and cool air humidifiers in this blog.

• Stay Hydrated

  Your tear film needs hydration to stay balanced, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can increase your hydration easily with this Dry Eye Drink.

 CONCLUSION:

With a few small adjustments, you can keep your eyes comfortable all winter long, even when your  heater is running non-stop. Don’t forget that it is important to take care of your eyes everyday despite the weather. Get started today with the Eye Care Essentials kit.