Cold air, indoor heating, and screen time create a perfect storm for dry eye. Here’s how to protect your vision this winter.
By the time winter settles in, many people notice the same uncomfortable shift: eyes that sting, burn, or feel gritty for no clear reason. Ophthalmologists say it’s not your imagination. Winter creates a near-perfect storm for dry eye, a condition that already affects an estimated 16 million adults in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When that dry outdoor air combines with indoor heating, tear evaporation speeds up — leaving eyes exposed, irritated, and inflamed. Add long hours on phones or computers, and blinking slows even more.
“Dry eye symptoms often worsen in winter because environmental moisture drops dramatically, both outside and inside,” the AAO explains in patient guidance. “This leads to faster tear evaporation and less protection for the eye’s surface.”
For many Latino workers, winter exposure isn’t optional. Outdoor labor, commuting on public transit, warehouse jobs, and construction all increase exposure to wind and dry air. At the same time, crowded indoor spaces with forced-air heating can worsen symptoms — especially for people who already wear contact lenses or have diabetes, which is more prevalent in Latino communities.
Dry eye is not just annoying. Untreated, it can affect vision quality, work performance, and even increase the risk of eye infections, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
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Redness, burning, or stinging
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Itching or a gritty sensation
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Light sensitivity
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Blurry vision or eye fatigue
What Actually Helps, According to Eye Doctors
Experts emphasize prevention as much as relief:
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Add moisture indoors: Using a humidifier helps counteract the drying effects of heaters.
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Protect your eyes outside: Wraparound sunglasses reduce wind exposure and tear evaporation.
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Use artificial tears: Preservative-free lubricating drops can be used several times a day.
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Take screen breaks: The AAO recommends the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
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Avoid direct heat: Don’t sit with vents, heaters, or fireplaces blowing toward your face.
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Blink intentionally: Conscious blinking helps spread tears evenly across the eye.
If symptoms persist, ophthalmologists advise seeing an eye care professional. Chronic dry eye can signal underlying inflammation that requires prescription treatment.
Winter may be unavoidable — but constant eye irritation doesn’t have to be.
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