Dry Eyes: When It’s More Than the Weather

This winter has been especially cold across the East Coast, with prolonged stretches of frigid temperatures in southeastern Pennsylvania keeping many people indoors for longer than usual. While escaping the cold may feel like a relief, winter conditions often create the perfect environment for dry, irritated eyes.

Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems dry the air even further. Combined with more time on screens and fewer breaks outside, many people notice burning, gritty, watery, or tired eyes as the winter drags on.

But what feels like a seasonal nuisance is often something more.

Dry eye is a Diagnosable, Treatable Condition

Dry eye disease is a medical condition caused by instability in the tear film, the thin layer that protects the surface of the eye and keeps vision clear and comfortable. When that system isn’t functioning properly, the eyes can become irritated, inflamed, and prone to fluctuating vision.

Why Does Winter Make Symptoms Worse?

Winter conditions can intensify dry eye symptoms in several ways:

• Low humidity allows tears to evaporate more quickly
• Indoor heating dries the air during prolonged cold spells
• Increased screen time reduces blinking
• Cold wind exposure can rapidly dry the eye surface

Many patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. When the eye’s surface becomes irritated, the body may produce excess reflex tears, but those tears often lack the oil balance needed to stay on the eye and provide lasting relief.

When to See Your Optometrist

If symptoms persist beyond occasional irritation, it’s time for an evaluation. Common signs include:

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Redness that keeps returning
• Contact lenses becoming uncomfortable
• Reliance on artificial tears for short-lived relief

Dry eye is also more common in patients with allergies, autoimmune conditions, rosacea, thyroid disease, or those taking certain medications.

What a Dry Eye Evaluation Looks Like

Your optometrist may assess tear quality, eyelid and oil gland function, and the health of the eye’s surface. Many cases involve dysfunction of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids, which play a critical role in preventing tears from evaporating too quickly.

“Dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Bumsted. “During a dry eye evaluation, we are looking for what’s actually driving the symptoms, whether that’s inflammation, oil gland dysfunction, or environmental factors, so we can create a treatment plan that’s specific to the patient, not just the season.”

Identifying the cause allows treatment to be targeted rather than relying on trial and error.

Managing Dry Eye, Especially in Winter

Treatment plans often combine simple at-home strategies with medical therapies when needed.

Winter-friendly habits may include:

• Using a humidifier indoors
• Avoiding direct heat blowing toward the face
• Taking regular blink breaks during screen use
• Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene when recommended
• Lubricating drops help when staring at the computer

Some patients may benefit from prescription treatments or in-office therapies designed to improve tear stability and reduce inflammation.

The Takeaway

Winter may be the season that brings symptoms to the surface, but dry eye disease is often a chronic condition that benefits from professional care. With proper diagnosis and management, patients can find lasting relief and not just seasonal fixes.

If dry, irritated eyes have been bothering you more this winter, an optometrist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.