Miami, FL does not experience harsh winters like some other parts of the USA. However, that does not mean the residents do not have to cope with winter-related health conditions! You may have noticed how the onset of the colder months in the coastal city aggravates dry eyes. Other factors can also worsen dry eyes.
The winter effect on dry eyes
Dry eyes can affect you almost in any month of the year. However, in a city like Miami, the severity of the condition may increase during winter. There are multiple reasons behind this.
- Low humidity—Winter in Miami is mild, but it does reduce humidity levels. The dry winter air can cause tears to evaporate quickly from your eyes.
- Indoor heating—As the temperatures plunge outside, you will definitely turn up the indoor heating system to stay warm and comfortable. This reduces the moisture in the indoor air and aggravates dry eyes.
- More screen time—During the festive days of winter, you may want to spend more time indoors, planning indoor parties and get-together events. Watching movies with friends and family is also on the cards at times. This leads to more screen time, which can cause your eyes to dry up.
- Dietary factors—If you intake less water during the winter months and eat fewer foods with Omega 3 fatty acids, this can cause dehydration. It can also lead to the onset of dry eye Miami.
How to detect winter dry eyes?
It is pretty easy to fathom if you have developed dry eyes in winter. You will experience symptoms like red and irritated eyes and a feeling of something getting into the eyes. Sometimes, you may feel an increased light sensitivity and blurry vision.
How do you deal with dry eyes in winter?
Dealing with dry eyes in winter should not be tedious. While you will not want to switch off the room heating system, there are some practical measures to reduce the symptoms. Here’s what you can do:
- Using a humidifier in the room can help with dry eyes. This can also be done at the workspace.
- Using OTC artificial tear drops can be helpful. However, you may get better results using lubricating eye drops recommended by top-notch eye care clinics in Miami.
- Drinking enough water in winter will help improve hydration levels.
- When you have to go out, protect your eyes from cold and dry winter air by wearing sunglasses or windproof goggles.
- To improve eye conditions like dry eyes, you can intake Omega-3 fatty acid supplements after consulting an eye expert or doctor.
- Do not stare at the TV or mobile devices for long at one stretch. Take a break from digital devices when you can.
Summing it up
Do not let winter aggravate your dry eyes. Take suitable remedial measures and make some dietary and lifestyle alterations for a better outcome. If these do not help, you may need expert clinical intervention. Find out which are the leading clinics in your city without any further delay.