Dry Eye Tips for the Winter

Wintertime brings a lot of fun, family time, and excitement – and a lot of opportunity for dry eyes. In this guide, our team at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines shares a few tips to help below.

Keep Your Eyes and Environment Moist

Winter air can dry out your eyes. Be sure to remember to blink as often as possible and keep some eye drops with you at all times. Also, use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.

Keep Your Eyes Clean

Your oil glands can become clogged and prevent your eyes from producing quality tears. Be sure to take the time to clean your eyelids each day to prevent any buildup of makeup, debris, and other contaminants.

Warmth Is Your Friend

Don’t just heat up your home. Soothe your dry eyes by using a warm compress each night before bed. This not only relaxes your eyes but also helps open up your oil glands.

Wear Eye Protection

Being outdoors exposes you to dry air, allergens, debris, and contaminants. Wraparound sunglasses are a great way to prevent these from entering your eyes and causing dry eye syndrome.

Visit Your Eye Doctor

While there are many steps you can take at home to prevent dry eye symptoms, it’s wise to visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They can determine if there are any eye health issues that could contribute to dry eyes and provide the best treatment options for your needs. The comprehensive exam will include a vision exam, too. This is important because vision challenges can contribute to or worsen dry eye symptoms. Getting the right prescription eyewear can help.

Schedule an Eye Exam in West Des Moines, IA

Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? Be proactive in your winter eye health by scheduling a comprehensive eye and vision exam with our team at Lock Family Eye Care. You can reach our office at (515) 267-1312.