Winter is here in Milford, Connecticut, and so is the season of dry eyes. When the temperature drops and the air gets drier, our eyes are more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with dry eye, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the symptoms, especially during winter. The good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent and manage dry eye during these colder months. In this blog post, we’ll share five tips to help you keep your eyes healthy and happy this winter.
1. Choose the right eye drops
When it comes to dry eyes, not all eye drops are the same. Look for lubricating eye drops that are made specifically for dry eyes. Stay away from vasoconstrictor drops labeled “redness relief,” as they can make dry eye symptoms worse. Instead, choose eye drops that have hyaluronic acid or oil-based lubricants to help keep your eyes moisturized.
2. Use a humidifier
One of the main reasons our eyes get dry during the winter is because of indoor heating. Indoor heating decreases the humidity in your home, drying out your eyes. To avoid dry eyes, you can use a humidifier to help maintain the right humidity levels and keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
3. Take breaks from screens
During the winter, we tend to spend more time indoors, which means more screen time. This increase in screen time can strain your eyes and lead to dry eye. Following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent these issues. Every 20 minutes, look up from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and refocus.
4. Wear sunglasses
Even in the winter months, the sun can be incredibly bright, and the glare from snow and ice can be blinding. Harsh winds and blowing snow can also irritate your eyes and cause dryness. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the elements and prevent dry eye. Look for glasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays for the best protection. If you’re looking for designer eyewear in New Haven County, check out our stylish collection of sunglasses in Milford from the comfort of your home!
5. Visit your eye doctor
Finally, one of the best things you can do to prevent dry eye is to make sure you see your eye doctor regularly. They can check if any underlying conditions might be causing your symptoms and suggest treatments to keep your eyes healthy and moist. They might also suggest using eye drops or other treatments to keep your eyes comfortable, especially if you already have existing eye conditions.
By following these tips, you can prevent dry eye and enjoy the winter months without discomfort and pain. However, if you’re experiencing severe or chronic dry eye, it’s essential to seek professional care.
Our experienced eye doctors at Lighthouse Vision provide dry eye treatment in Milford for patients in Orange, West Haven, Stratford, Monroe, New Haven, and the surrounding areas. We offer a range of treatments, including OptiLight by Lumenis, a targeted light therapy treatment for dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us if you’re experiencing any dry eye symptoms. We look forward to helping you!
