Wintertime in Calgary means stunning snowy landscapes and crisp air, but it can also bring uncomfortable challenges, especially for your eyes. Have you noticed your eyes feeling gritty, itchy, or unusually dry during the colder months?
Calgary’s cold weather, coupled with its low humidity, plays a significant role in causing dry eyes. But do not worry, there are ways to protect and care for your eyes during the chillier seasons.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping your eyes moisturized, nourished, and free from irritants. When your natural tear system struggles, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Burning, stinging, or itchy sensations in your eyes
- A gritty feeling, almost like there is sand in your eyes
- Redness and inflammation
- Blurred vision that gets better with blinking
- Excessive tearing (yes, this is a sign of dryness, a result of your eyes overcompensating)
Dry eyes are not just uncomfortable, they can also affect your daily life, making it hard to read, work on the computer, or even enjoy time outside. And in Calgary, the winter months can make matters worse.
How Calgary’s Cold Weather Affects Your Eyes
Calgary’s winters may be stunning, but they can also be tough on your eyes. The cold, dry air strips moisture from the environment, causing your natural tears to evaporate faster than usual. The combination of low humidity, icy winds, and frigid temperatures can leave your eyes feeling irritated and dry.
Whether you are hitting the slopes or simply walking outside, the outdoor elements can take a toll. Once indoors, the dry air from heating systems offers little relief, worsening the discomfort. Since Calgary’s winters tend to stretch for months, addressing dry eye symptoms early is key to staying comfortable.
How Low Humidity Plays a Role in Dry Eyes
Low humidity is a major culprit in winter dry eyes. Calgary’s naturally dry climate worsens in the colder months, leading to even less moisture in the air. This lack of humidity accelerates the evaporation of your tear film, which protects the surface of your eyes.
Without it, your eyes are more vulnerable to irritation. To improve your indoor environment, aim to keep humidity levels between 30%—50%. This simple step can help maintain moisture in the air and protect your eyes.
The Impact of Indoor Heaters on Dry Eyes
While indoor heaters are essential in Calgary’s winters, they can contribute to dry eyes by further lowering indoor humidity. Warm air circulates through your home, but it also tends to dry out the moisture in your eyes.
To counter this, consider using a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the living room or bedroom. Humidifiers restore some of the moisture in the air, making it easier on your eyes. If you rely on space heaters, position them away from your face to avoid direct exposure to the dry, warm air.
Winter Habits to Help Protect Your Eyes from Dryness
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes during Calgary’s cold months. Small changes in your habits can go a long way in keeping your eyes comfortable despite the weather. Here is what you can do:
- Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses or goggles are not just for summer. A good pair of eyewear can shield your eyes from chilly winds and direct exposure to the elements.
- Stay hydrated: While the air may be dry, staying hydrated by drinking water can help your body, including your eyes, maintain moisture.
- Eat omega-3-rich foods: Salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may improve the quality of your tears.
How to Keep Your Eyes Moisturized During Calgary’s Cold Months
Dry air is tough on your eyes, but you can take steps to keep your tears flowing and your eyes hydrated. Try these tips:
- Use artificial tears: Keep preservative-free artificial tears handy to hydrate your eyes throughout the day.
- Take breaks from screens: Blue light exposure can strain your eyes. Stick to the 20-20-20 rule. Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing can irritate already dry eyes.
Treating Dry Eyes
For persistent dry eye symptoms that do not improve with at-home remedies, it may be time to explore treatment options. Here are some common approaches you can discuss with your eye care provider:
Omega-3 Supplements
If you cannot get enough omega-3s through food alone, supplements can help improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation.
Warm Compresses
A warm compress can help unblock meibomian glands in your eyelids, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tear film.
Eyelid Cleansers
Keeping your eyelids clean with a gentle cleanser can help manage conditions like blepharitis, which can intensify dry eyes.
Punctal Plugs
For severe cases, your optometrist may suggest punctal plugs, tiny devices inserted into your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly.
Keep Your Eyes Happy in the Winter
Living in Calgary means braving cold weather, dry air, and icy winds, but that does not mean your eyes have to suffer. By understanding what causes dry eyes and taking proactive steps to care for your eyes, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision all winter long. If you are struggling with dry eye symptoms that do not seem to improve, book an appointment with Chestermere Optometry for more advice and treatment options.
