Can Dry Eye Worsen As the Days Turn Colder?

Winter is challenging in many ways, but for those who struggle with a condition known as dry eye, it can be especially uncomfortable. If you notice your symptoms of dry eye worsening as fall turns into winter, your optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, has solutions.

What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition that occurs because your body can’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes comfortably lubricated. There may be many reasons why someone may experience the symptoms of dry eye, including:

Dehydration
Hormonal changes
Illness or disease
Certain medications
Inflamed eyelid glands
Allergies
If you develop dry eye, you may notice symptoms such as burning, itching, and redness of the eyes. It may feel as though you have debris caught under your eyelid, and you may find yourself fishing thin strings of mucus out of the eye. This condition is usually very uncomfortable, which is why it’s important to schedule a dry eye screening with your vision specialist right away. Treatment for dry eyes can bring immediate relief.

How Do the Winter Months Affect Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes often worsen as summer fades to fall and fall to winter, because there’s less moisture in the air. This is especially true indoors, where the air is constantly being heated.

Some people are also more allergy-prone during the cooler months because of common triggers such as ragweed, mold, and dust mites. Ragweed usually releases pollen between the months of August and October. And it’s estimated that roughly 75 percent of those who have spring plant allergies are also sensitive to ragweed.

Where to Find Help for Dry Eye in Pittsburgh
If you’re struggling with dry eyes in Pittsburgh, call Lappen Eye Care to schedule an eye exam. The friendly and professional eye specialists at Lappan Eye Care can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with dry eyes.