It’s getting colder outside…  But that roaring fire indoors might not be helping your eyes 🔥👀

The simple reason Winter air is dry.  Both outside and inside.

• Cold air holds less moisture

• Central heating dries the air further.

• Fires, heaters and car vents make it worse.

If you already have dry eye, your tears:

• Doesn’t last long enough

• Or aren’t good quality

So moisture is lost faster than your eyes can replace it.

What does dry eye feel like?

• Dry or gritty

• Tired or sore

• Itchy or burning

• Watery eyes (yes – watery can still be dry eye!)

• Blurred vision at times

This happens because dryness triggers inflammation, starting a cycle that keeps repeating if untreated.

How to protect your eyes indoors

💧 Add moisture to the air

• Use a humidifier if you can

• Or place a bowl of water near radiators.

• Always clean humidifiers properly (to avoid bacteria)

🧥 Turn the heat down slightly

• Lower the thermostat by a degree

• Add a jumper instead

• Avoid overheated rooms

👉 Open windows briefly each day – fresh, moist air helps your eyes and your wellbeing.

🚫 Avoid blowing heat

• Turn heating vents away from your face

• In the car and at home

• Let hair dry naturally when possible (hair dryers dry eyes fast)

Night-time protection 🌙

If heating is on overnight:

• Eyes can feel very dry in the morning

• A night-time ointment acts like a blanket for your eyes

How to protect your eyes outdoors

• 🕶 Wear your glasses (or sunglasses)

• Shields eyes from cold wind

• Reduces glare from low winter sun

• Helps prevent watery, irritated eyes after walks

• 💧 Use drops before going out.

• A drop before exposure can reduce symptoms.

• Not all drops are the same – choice matter.

Don’t suffer in silence

• Dry eye is common – but very treatable with the right advice and routine.

If your eyes:

• Feel uncomfortable most days

• Water for no clear reason

• Struggle with screens or winter weather

   

  👉 Speak to your eye care professional
  👉 Book a proper dry eye assessment with your local independent optician

   

   

  Your eyes work hard all winter – let’s look after them properly 💙