Suffering from Dry Eyes? 5 at-home tips to find relief from winter

It’s that time of year again. The air is colder, nights are longer, and the thermostat is higher. Winter has arrived, and for many people, this means dry eyes. Many people experience the irritation, scratchiness, and blurry vision of dry eyes during the winter months. Not only is this due to the relatively dry air outside, but the conditions inside created by heaters. Luckily, in most cases, there are some simple tips that can help you through the winter with a little more comfort.

1. Keep eye drops (artificial tears) handy. One of the quickest ways to alleviate dry eyes with the use of eye drops designed for replacing moisture to the eyes. Make sure to follow the directions on the label before applying.
2. Wear protective eyewear when outside. The winter wind can wreak havoc on your eyes. Finding a functional, and perhaps fashionable, form of eye protection may help alleviate dry eyes.
3. Stay hydrated. Making sure your body has enough fluids to produce eye moisture is essential
4. Use a humidifier. The heat from your furnace can evaporate any existing moisture in the air quickly. Using humidifiers can help negate this effect.
5. Enjoy the comfort of a warm damp cloth over your eyes. Not only will this feel relaxing after a long day, but gently laying a compress over your eyes can help reduce the dryness.

   It is important to note that dry eyes may have underlying causes such as medicine side effects. If these tips do not relive your symptoms or your dry eyes are chronic, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. Although rare, vision loss can occur in some cases.