If your eyes feel irritated, watery, or like there’s always something stuck in them, you’re not alone. Dry eye symptoms tend to worsen during colder months, especially in climates like Minnesota's. But what is it about winter that makes symptoms worse?
At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, we see this every year: as temperatures drop, so does the humidity in the air. Cold winds outside and dry heat indoors both strip moisture from the air, and that can leave your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable. These conditions pull moisture away from your eyes, leaving them feeling sore, itchy, and tired. And while it may seem odd, watery eyes are one of the most common signs of dry eye syndrome.
If you’re struggling with uncomfortable eye symptoms during winter, you can find help at our practice. Explore our dry eye treatment page or learn more about our Edina team to see how we can help.
Common Winter Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye is more than just an occasional nuisance. It can interfere with how you work, drive, and enjoy daily life. If you’re dealing with winter discomfort, here are the signs to look out for:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Red, irritated eyes
- Excessive tearing or watering
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision, especially later in the day
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
For many patients, these symptoms get worse with exposure to wind, indoor heat, or prolonged screen use, which is a combination that’s hard to avoid this time of year.
What Causes Dry Eye in Winter?
Winter dry eye develops when your eyes can’t maintain a healthy balance between tear production and evaporation. The air outside is cold and lacks humidity. Indoors, heating systems dry out the air even more. Combine that with more screen time and less blinking, and the tear film starts to break down.
Other seasonal triggers can include:
- Spending more time indoors (less blinking and tear circulation)
- Increased use of fireplaces or space heaters
- Poor indoor air quality
- Spending more time in cars with heater vents pointed at the face
For patients already prone to dry eye, winter creates the perfect storm for flare-ups.
How to Treat and Prevent Winter Dry Eye
The good news? You don’t have to live with irritated, watery, or sore eyes all season. A combination of lifestyle changes and professional care can make a major difference.
At-Home Relief
Here are simple ways to support your eyes during the winter:
- Use a humidifier: Add moisture back into indoor air to help protect your eyes
- Avoid direct heat: Don’t point car or home heater vents at your face
- Wear wraparound sunglasses: They shield your eyes from wind and cold when you’re outside
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital strain
- Stay hydrated: Drinking more water helps support tear production
These tips can help ease mild irritation, but if your symptoms stick around, professional care can provide lasting relief.
Clinical Treatment Options
At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, our eye care team uses advanced diagnostics to get to the root cause of your symptoms. From inflammation to blocked oil glands or tear instability, we tailor your treatment plan to what’s actually causing your symptoms.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Prescription eye drops or anti-inflammatory ointments
- In-office treatments to unblock meibomian glands
- Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
- Specialty contact lenses that retain moisture
You can learn more about our advanced dry eye treatments on our dry eye center page or call our Edina office to ask what treatment options are right for you.
Dry Eye Treatment in Edina, MN
At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, we offer precise diagnosis and personalized care for winter dry eye relief that goes beyond temporary fixes.
If your eyes feel gritty, sore, or overly watery this season, it might be time for real relief. Request an appointment at our Edina office and take the first step toward comfortable, healthy eyes.