Are Dry Eye symptoms worse in the cold winter months?
Dry eye symptoms can be worse in the winter do to a couple of factors. First the air is less humid in the winter and secondly we run our heaters in the winter which in turn dries the air out even further. On a side note, many people will burn fires to stay warm. This has the potential to increase eye allergies. When we then take otc allergy medicines they can then create dry eye problems.
Is there anything I can do to prevent DES?
Dry eye is multifactorial, and each person’s dry eye is unique to them. To help prevent dry eye, make sure to consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration. Some nutritional supplements, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, can contribute to a more stable tear layer.
Remember to blink regularly and take breaks often when on a computer, cell phone or when watching television. During times of the year when there is less humidity, a humidifier might be helpful to provide more moisture in the air.
What If I Still have Dry Eyes?
Then you may have a more serious form of dry eye that requires treatment from an eye doctor. There are several advanced treatment options for dry eye syndrome.