Dry Eyes this Winter? What You Can Do About Them

Winter is a time of year when the humidity drops and many people experience dry eyes. Dry eyes can be itchy, red, and uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing dry eyes, there’s something you can do about it! By altering the environment in your home and by using products like artificial tears, you can reduce the effects of dry eyes in Champaign. Here’s what you need to know.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are sold in pharmacies. Eye drops are also available with a prescription – these eye drops help the eyes produce their own tears. Your eye doctor in Champaign IL can tell you if you need prescription eye drops to rehydrate your eyes. Use artificial tears according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Humidifier

As the humidity outside drops, so does the humidity inside. Use a humidifier to keep your home’s humidity at acceptable levels, or humidify at least one room of your house where you spend the most time, to reduce the symptoms of itchy eyes.

Avoid Use of Hair Dryers

Hairdryers blast your face, hair, and eyes with hot, dry air. They make dry eyes worse and can leave you feeling miserable later. Avoid the use of hair dryers whenever possible. If using a hairdryer, keep the airspeed low and the temperature cool.

Wear Wrap Around Sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses shield your eyes from wind that could dry them out. Buy wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from the worst of the winter wind.

See the Eye Doctor

If you suffer from dry eyes, your eye doctor may be able to identify the source of your dry eyes and recommend treatments, medication changes, or behavior changes that can help. Call today to make an appointment.