Winter in Colorado Springs arrives with bright skies and a dry chill that settles deep into the air. Families across the community feel the shift. Children come home rubbing tired eyes after long school days. Professionals working through winter deadlines notice more irritation during screen time. Seniors who enjoy morning walks often say the cold weather blurs their vision and makes their eyes water. These moments share a common thread: the cold weather makes dry eyes worse.
This guide explains how winter affects your tear film, how to prevent dry eyes, and which dry eye treatment options support long-term comfort.
Why Winter Makes Dry Eyes Worse
Patients often feel surprised by how quickly symptoms intensify once the temperature drops. Several environmental factors converge at once.
1. Dry Air Outdoors
Cold air holds less moisture. When that air hits the surface of your eyes, the tear film evaporates faster than it can rebuild.
2. Indoor Heating
Forced air heat dries the room. It warms the home while steadily pulling moisture from the tear film.
3. Colorado Elevation
Dry air, high altitude, and wind create a cycle that wears down natural tear production. New residents notice this most.
4. Increased Screen Time
Shorter daylight hours mean more time indoors. Children working on homework and adults finishing projects blink less during screen use, which weakens the tear film.
5. Contact Lenses and Winter
Those who wear contact lenses feel winter dryness earlier. Contacts lose moisture quickly in dry air, creating friction that irritates the cornea.
How Winter Affects the Tear Film
The tear film contains three layers. A water layer keeps the eye hydrated. An oil layer slows evaporation. A mucus layer helps tears spread evenly across the surface.
Dry air strips the water layer faster than usual. Indoor heating disrupts the oils that protect the tears from evaporating. When both layers weaken, the surface loses protection. This is why dry eyes in winter feel more intense and last longer.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes During Winter
Dry winter eyes affect patients in many ways. You may notice:
- Burning or stinging
- Grittiness or a sandy sensation
- Redness
- Watering that continues despite dryness
- Discomfort when exposed to wind
- Blurry vision that improves after blinking
These dry-eye symptoms indicate that the tear film needs support. Ignoring them allows irritation to become chronic.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes During the Winter
Healthy habits make a major difference. These steps support your tear film throughout the season.
- Increase Indoor Humidity: A humidifier softens the air and supports steadier tear production. Many families in Colorado Springs rely on one throughout the heating season.
- Take Screen Breaks: The 20-20-20 rule reduces strain from extended screen time. Every twenty minutes, look twenty feet away for twenty seconds.
- Use Artificial Tears: Artificial tears replenish moisture lost to cold weather and indoor dryness. Many patients find that preservative-free formulas are the best eye drops for winter dry eye.
- Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes in the winter by blocking wind and bright light. This reduces evaporation and helps prevent dry eyes outdoors.
- Adjust Contact Lens Choices: Daily disposable lenses hold moisture more effectively. Patients who wear contact lenses often switch during the winter months for better comfort.
- Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids support the lipid layer of the tear film. Stronger oils mean slower evaporation.
Winter Dry Eye Treatment at Bettner Vision
When dry winter eyes become persistent, our eye doctors offer several in-office treatments that rebuild comfort and support the tear film.
- Comprehensive eye exams to identify the cause of symptoms.
- Tear film support plans that include targeted artificial tears and moisture therapies.
- Blephex lid cleaning to remove debris that interferes with healthy tear production.
- Heated masks and gentle at-home routines to improve oil flow and reduce evaporation.
- Guidance for contact lens wearers who struggle with dryness during the winter months.
Get Support for Dry Eyes Through the Coldest Months in Colorado Springs
Colorado’s winter climate creates a set of conditions that challenge the eyes. Dry air, indoor heating, wind, and increased screen time all contribute to the discomfort many patients feel from November through spring.
By taking preventive steps at home and seeking help when symptoms grow persistent, you can protect the tear film and maintain clear, comfortable vision. Book your dry eye consultation at Bettner Vision to get proven dry eye solutions that help families throughout Colorado Springs stay comfortable all season.
Winter Dry Eye FAQs
Why are my dry eyes worse in winter, even if I use drops?
The tear film evaporates faster in dry, cold air. Drops help, but the environment overwhelms them without additional support.
What are the best eye drops for winter dry eye?
Preservative-free artificial tears provide gentle, repeated moisture without irritation.
Can winter dryness affect my vision?
Yes. When the tear film breaks apart, light scatters, creating a fluctuating blur.
Does wearing sunglasses help prevent dry eyes?
Yes. They block wind and bright light, reducing evaporation and protecting the eye's surface.