You might associate spring with red, itchy eyes – typically caused by seasonal allergies. However, spring isn’t the only season known to aggravate people’s eyes. Millions of people suffer from irritated eyes in the coldest months of the year. What causes itchy eyes in winter?
What Causes Itchy Eyes in Winter?
Let’s be honest. While there can be a lot of charm in the winter months, there’s a lot of hassle, too. Shoveling driveways, salting sidewalks, seasonal colds and flu, and the general hustle and bustle of the season can make life challenging. Add itchy eyes to the mix, and you might be about ready to give up and hibernate until spring!
If you suffer from dry, itchy eyes in the winter, you aren’t alone. It’s actually a very common phenomenon, and there are things you can do to make it better. What causes itchy eyes in the winter, and what can you do about it?
It’s the (Lack of) Humidity
In simple terms, humidity refers to the amount of water that is in the air at any given time. It’s fair to say that most people are not huge fans of humidity, mostly because when it peaks in the summer, it can make hot weather even more stifling and uncomfortable. However, humidity is actually a benefit to us for the rest of the year. It helps keep our eyes and skin hydrated, and even makes air more comfortable to breathe.
Since humidity peaks when it’s warm, you can infer that the opposite happens when it’s cold. Lower temperatures make it harder for water to remain in the air, which can lead to drier air. This problem is usually compounded by people using radiators, space heaters, and other methods to warm their houses during cold times. It’s effective, but it also removes more water from the air.
This combination of dry air outside and drier air inside is what leads to eye discomfort. When air is dry, it makes it easier for water to evaporate from the eyes. As a result, our eyes actually are drier and itchier in the winter. You may notice your eyelids feel gummy or stuck, or that you’re blinking much more than usual. Combine this with red, itchy eyes, and it’s very likely that a lack of humidity is the cause of your eye woes. So, how can you remedy this issue?
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
There’s no recognized medical cure for dry eyes, so if this is a problem for you, it’s a good idea to learn how you can mitigate it. Luckily, while dry eyes are annoying, they’re easy to adapt to with some simple lifestyle changes. Here’s what the experts recommend for seasonal dry eyes:
- If you’re a contact lenses wearer, your eyes might be drying out faster as a result. Be sure that you’re cleaning your contacts regularly to prevent dirt and grit from getting trapped in them. Talk to your optometrist about eye drops for contact lenses.
- Use a humidifier to restore moisture to the air in your home. If you don’t have a humidifier, placing a bowl of water on a radiator or vent can also help.
- Protect your eyes from cold and dry air with hats, scarves, and glasses.
- Be sure to keep drinking lots of water and eating hydrating foods. The better your body is hydrated, the more moisture your eyes will have as a result.
While dry eyes are not a severe medical issue, they can lead to eye infections and other unpleasant events. If your dry eyes persist after taking these steps, talk to your optometrist about what you should do next.
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Now that you know what causes itchy eyes in winter, we hope you can find a solution that works for you. If you can’t, feel free to give the experts at Heffington’s a call.
Need some eye advice? If you live in southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!