Cold weather, wind and spending more time indoors with heaters, which are common during winter months, can sometimes negatively affect eye health. Especially in cold and windy weather, the moisture balance of the eye surface is disrupted, resulting in complaints of dry eyes.

Dry eye most commonly manifests itself with symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, a feeling of grit in the eyes, and occasionally blurred vision. Prof. Yusuf Koçluk, an ophthalmologist at Medline Adana Hospital, explained the precautions that can be taken, noting that this problem is often neglected although it reduces daily living comfort.

Cold and wind have a negative effect

Cold weather causes tears to evaporate more quickly. Wind weakens the protective tear film on the eye surface, increasing dryness. In winter, heaters, air conditioners and stoves used in closed environments reduce the humidity in the air, causing the eye surface to dry out. In addition, staring at digital screens such as computers, tablets and phones for long periods of time reduces the number of blinks, making dry eyes even more pronounced. People who work at desks, students, and those who use screens for long periods of time are more likely to experience this problem during the winter months.

It increases the risk of infection

Dry eyes are not only uncomfortable, but if left untreated, they can lead to increased sensitivity on the surface of the eye, a higher risk of infection, and a temporary decline in vision quality. This condition may be more noticeable in contact lens wearers. Additionally, advanced age, certain chronic diseases, and regularly used medications are among the factors that increase the risk of dry eye.

It reduces quality of life

Dry eye does not only cause physical discomfort in the eyes but also negatively affects the quality of daily life. Eye fatigue and difficulty focusing may occur during activities that require attention, such as prolonged reading, driving, or working at a computer screen. This affects both work productivity and social life, reducing the individual's quality of life. Increased complaints, especially during the winter months, make it even more important to have regular eye health check-ups.

Early diagnosis is crucial

Early diagnosis of dry eye is crucial in controlling symptoms and preventing progressive problems. Not ignoring increased complaints during the winter months and not neglecting regular eye check-ups contributes to the preservation of eye health in the future. Important: If symptoms such as dryness, burning, or stinging persist for a long time, it is important to assess whether there is an underlying eye disease.

Recommendations for dry eyes during winter months: 

• Use protective eyewear when going outside in windy and cold weather
• Use humidifiers in closed environments
• Take regular breaks when using computers and phones, and consciously make an effort to blink
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Maintain your body's overall moisture balance by drinking plenty of water
• If dry eye symptoms persist, use artificial tear drops as recommended by your ophthalmologist
• If symptoms persist for a long time, consult an ophthalmologist