Temperatures are dropping, and you find yourself with watery winter eyes once again. So, how do you soothe your eyes when they tear up without warning?
The cold temperature coupled with the wind could cause eyes to water. This is because eyes get irritated and dry up. The glands that produce tears will compensate and produce more tears to soothe the dryness.
Yes, dry eyes caused by very low temperatures are making your eyes water.
In other words, soothe watery winter eyes by keeping them hydrated and moist.
Here are some tips for addressing watery eyes this winter:
Use eye drops
Hydrating your eyes before leaving the house is a crucial step to take during the winter. This gives your eyes enough moisture for a few hours. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops are available in small bottles that you can carry with you wherever you go.
Experts also say that blinking can help remove irritants better than rubbing our eyes.
Don eyewear
Even though it's winter, wear eyeglasses, shades, or goggles outdoors. This will give your eyes extra protection from the blowing wind that hits your eyes, especially during activities such as skiing and riding a bicycle, among others.
In addition, switch your contact lenses to eyeglasses during this time because contact lenses can also dry your eyes by drawing out the moisture. If you cannot avoid using contact lenses, Bausch + Lomb Biotrue can give your eyes a hydration boost.
Avoid smoke and drafts
Smoke, either from cigarettes or open grills, irritates the eyes and causes the glands to produce tears in overdrive.
When you are indoors, avoid fans and drafts.
Humidify even while sleeping
Using a humidifier even while sleeping can help hydrate your eyes and skin, especially if you sleep with your eyes partially open.
When used during the day, humidifiers can decrease the evaporation rate in a room, keeping your eyes from drying out.
Massage and use warm compress
Other experts recommend using a warm compress every night. This would also release the oils that were stuck in your glands.
However, if you don't have time for a nightly warm compress, massaging your eye area will release excess oils that are trapped and block the glands. Experts from Peep Club recommend using their Heated Eye Wand with their Instant Relief Eye Spray.
Seek an ophthalmologist
Soothing dry or watery eyes can be as easy as keeping your eyes hydrated. However, if irritation persists, seeking the help of ophthalmologists could give you a more specific solution.
