How to Beat Winter Dry Eyes

How to Beat Winter Dry Eyes

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on December 1, 2015

Surviving The Winter

Winter can be tough on our eyes because of the season’s cold, dry temperatures, heavy winds, and harmful UV rays that reflect off snow and ice. Eyes need moisture to stay healthy, and during the wintertime, there’s hardly any to be found. Harsh weather conditions can reduce the levels of natural moisture in your eyes, causing irritation. With irritation comes burning or an itching sensation. It’s important not to rub or scratch your eyes when they are irritated because it only worsens the symptoms.

The winter’s dry air also causes your eyes to water, or tear, more often. Anything that irritates your eyes, including Dry Eye, causes tearing. Dryness and irritation often affects contact wearers, who are more likely to suffer from Dry Eye. There are numerous Dry Eye treatments available. You don’t have to suffer anymore!

Get Relief Now!

Winter in the midwest can feel long, especially if your eyes are bothering you! There’s no need to suffer with Dry Eye any onger. You deserve healthy eyes for a happier you. Read our winter eye care tips below to help your dry, uncomfortable eyes during the winter for a better quality of life. Keep your eyes comfortable during these winter months by following these simple tips.

• Keep eyes moist by applying artificial tears or eye drops daily: If you have Dry Eye, contact us for the best advised product for this condition. Find out if you have Dry Eye by taking our quick, simple self quiz now.

• Use a humidifier while indoors: This adds moisture to the air.

• Remember to not rub your eyes: Rubbing your eyes only increases irritation.

• Contacts can cause further irritation: If you wear contact lenses, take a break from them by wearing your back up pair of glasses or choosing a long-lasting vision correction solution like LASIK.

• Protect your eyes when facing winter weather conditions: Wear UV protective sunglasses for daily activities such as driving or shoveling. If you participate in winter sports, make sure to always wear goggles when skiing and snowboarding– your eyes can get sunburned in the winter! That’s right, sunburn can still happen even when it’s not summer. It occurs when your cornea, the front surface of the eye, is exposed to UV rays for an extended period of time. These UV rays can be magnified in the winter when they reflect off snow and ice. Sunburn in the eye can lead to blurry vision and sore eyes.

What if You’ve Tried Everything and Still Nothing Works?

If you follow these tips and still suffer from Dry Eye this winter, please contact Kugler Vision to get the relief you’ve been searching for. With our help, you’ll be able to face the world again with healthy, comfortable eyes, no matter the winter weather conditions!

Lance Kugler, MD

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.