The bone-chilling forecast for much of the US is enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes.
Watery eyes are very common in the winter — especially for those with dry eyes. That may sound weird, but cold, dry and windy air triggers the eyes to produce “reflex tears” to overcompensate for extreme dryness.
And for those without dry eye disease, the wind and cold temperatures are still irritating enough to the cornea, the outermost lens of the peepers, to cause reflex tearing.
It’s a frustrating effect of winter, right up there with dry, itchy skin, joint stiffness and cracking on the lips and heels.
Before you grab another box of tissues, The Post spoke with three eye experts who shared several strategies for helping eyes prone to precipitating in the cold — and simple ways to protect your baby blues when temperatures turn icy.
Blink back those tears
Most adults blink 15 to 20 times per minute — but that may not be enough, especially if you work a lot on the computer.
“Blinking more frequently and completely can improve tearing in cold weather because the eyelids act like windshield wipers to spread the tear film across the ocular surface,” Dr. Sarah Weissbart, a cornea specialist at Stony Brook Medicine, told The Post.
“Many people do not blink enough in general, and this issue can result in excessive tearing in cold weather conditions.”
Weissbart emphasized the importance of increasing blinking frequency while using screens to prevent dry, irritated and tired eyes.
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, a Beverly Hills eye surgeon, advises the 20/20 rule when typing on your computer or using your phone indoors.
“Every 20 minutes, close your eyes for 20 seconds so your inner eyelids rehydrate your eyes,” said Boxer Wachler, director of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.
Stock up on blink-er fluid
Beyond blinking, you may want to try hydrating your body with water and your eyes with artificial tears, which are lubricating eye drops designed to mimic natural tears.
“I recommend using over-the-counter preservative-free tears,” Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty, told The Post.
“Put one drop in each eye at least four times a day, but you can use them more frequently if needed,” she continued. “The rule of thumb is that if you’re using them more than four times a day, you should go to your eye doctor and get a prescription medicine.”
To improve hydration, Boxer Wachler recommends three flax oil capsules a day.
“Flax oil internally lubricates the eyes,” he noted. “It works great for dry skin, too, which is common in winter.”
Get a humidifier — or two
“Putting a humidifier next to your bed — either cool or warm mist at about 60% humidity — will help both your eyes and your skin stay hydrated,” Hilal-Campo said.
“A desktop humidifier for people who frequently work on the computer is also extremely helpful,” she added. “You don’t blink as much when you’re on the computer, and the humidifier will help your eyes stay moist.”
Make every day a sunnies day
As for eye gear, Boxer Wachler suggests wearing wraparound sunglasses whenever you’re outside.
“This physically protects your eyes from the cold air and can also increase the humidity around your eyes from sunglasses if they are wraparound style,” he explained.
“Sunglasses also protect your eyes from long-term UV sun damage, even on cloudy days.”
How to care for your eyes in the winter
- Ensure that the heating vents in your car and home are not directed at your face to curb tear evaporation.
- Limit contact lens wear to reduce dry eye.
- Use petroleum jelly around your eyes for further hydration, but make sure to use one in a tube and not a jar since dipping your fingers in a jar can introduce bacteria.
- Wear sunscreen — even on cloudy days — to protect your skin from UV damage.
“Of course, if these measures are not sufficient, an examination with an ophthalmologist can identify additional treatment options for winter-related eye symptoms,” Weissbart said.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in advanced, comprehensive eye care, while optometrists are primary eye care providers who perform routine eye exams, diagnose common conditions and prescribe glasses or corrective lenses.
