Everyone hates dealing with dry eyes, and it's even worse when it happens repeatedly. Unfortunately, the condition is more common during the harsh winter season since dry air is easier to produce in cold weather. It's the same principle at work, thanks to your home's heating system. The good news is that precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of eye discomfort. Keep your eyes from getting dry and irritated during winter by following these helpful guidelines.

• Make Use of a Humidifier in Your Home

Humidifiers are an efficient way to maintain the moisture levels in your home. That said, not only would they help with dry eyes, but they will also help you prevent sinus pain, dry skin, houseplants, and even the risk of becoming sick.

• Drink Plenty of Water

Increasing one's fluid intake is a no-brainer. Doing so allows the body to control its 'internal climate' more effectively. The results include improved digestion and clearer skin. It also means that your tear reserves will not be depleted when protecting fundamental organ function.

• Wear Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes

Even if it's cold outside, the danger of solar damage to your eyes is actually greater in the winter than in the summer. This is because the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are stronger during that season. Snow on the ground makes matters worse by reflecting the sun's beams back into your eyes.

• Get Yourself Some Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamins

Winter's dry air not only evaporates moisture from the eyes but can also inflame the tear ducts. If this happens, tears may not drain as freely as they normally would because the duct is partially blocked. Inflammation can be reduced and avoided altogether by eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E.

• Cut Back on Coffee

While many people enjoy coffee, excessive use might worsen existing eye problems. Since coffee contains a diuretic, it helps you urinate more frequently. It's possible to become dehydrated if your body is constantly shedding water.

• Do Not Rub Your Eyes

Not being able to indulge in a craving is never fun. In contrast, rubbing your eyes is generally more harmful than helpful, much like picking a scab or scratching a rash. It's not a good idea to rub your eyes since you could get an infection from the dust and bacteria on your hands. The potential for infection is much more serious than the temporary discomfort of dry eyes.

In addition, if you aren't careful, you can scrape your cornea, which can cause permanent vision loss. Even worse, eye rubbing has no effect in relieving or preventing dryness. Let your eyes' natural defenses kick in.

• Blink More

When you blink, a coating of tears forms around your eyes. Protein, moisture, minerals, lipids, and enzymes are all present in these tears. All these things work together to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and healthy. The only way to get rid of the old tear and take full advantage of the fresh tear film is to close your eyes completely. Less dryness equals proper lubrication.

• Reduce the Amount of Time You Spend Wearing Contacts

Anyone who uses contacts on a regular basis likely knows the risks associated with wearing them for too long. If used for too long, it might irritate your eyes, causing damage and even leading to infection. Excessive blinking, like that caused by rubbing your eyes, can empty your tear ducts, causing your eyes to feel dry and irritated.

Conclusion

Many people experience dry eyes during the winter months. This is due to the cold, dry air, which can aggravate the eyes and cause symptoms such as eye fatigue, eye redness, and a feeling of dryness or grittiness.

The tips above will help you deal with the slight inconvenience. Be sure to follow them all to avoid hurting or damaging your eyes any further.

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