Why Your Eyes Feel Drier in the Colder Months — and What You Can Do About It

At Kelly Eyecare, we know how uncomfortable dry, irritated eyes can be — whether you’re reading, driving, or simply enjoying an autumn walk. While many people associate dry eyes with summer, the cooler autumn and winter months often make symptoms worse.

Why Dry Eyes Get Worse in Autumn and Winter

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly. It can also be caused by blepharitis — inflammation of the eyelids that affects the glands responsible for healthy tear production. Cold air, wind, and indoor heating all play a part too.

• Cold, dry air: Autumn and winter air hold less moisture, and cold winds cause tears to evaporate faster.

• Indoor heating: Central heating dries out the air at home and work, leading to irritation.

• More screen time: Shorter days often mean more time on devices, and staring at screens reduces your blink rate, drying the eyes further.

Common Symptoms

Typical signs of dry eye include:

• Grittiness, burning, or soreness

• Redness or watering

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Discomfort with contact lenses

Interestingly, one of the first signs of dry eye can actually be watery eyes. This happens because your eyes try to compensate for dryness by producing excess tears — something that can be particularly troublesome in the colder months. Watery eyes may be your only symptom, or one of several others you might experience.

Another frequent symptom is fatigue. Constant dryness and irritation can make both you and your eyes feel tired and strained — even if you don’t immediately connect it to your eye health.

 Dry Eyes and Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, dryness doesn’t just cause discomfort. Chronic dry eye can reduce how long you can comfortably wear your lenses, and in some cases, lead people to stop wearing them altogether.

Early diagnosis and the right treatment are key to maintaining healthy eyelid glands. Each upper eyelid contains around 30 glands, and each lower lid about 20. If these glands become blocked or inactive, they can shrink and stop working permanently — leaving you with a chronic condition that’s difficult to reverse.

How to Soothe and Prevent Dry Eyes

Simple steps can make a big difference:

• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

• Take regular screen breaks — follow the 20-20-20 rule.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to block wind.

• Use preservative-free artificial tears when needed.

• Apply warm compresses to improve tear quality.

For added comfort, we also recommend BlephaDerm and BlephaGel — gentle eyelid hygiene products designed to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and support healthy tear production. You can learn more about them here.

When to Seek Help

If you recognise any of the symptoms above, it’s important to see an Optometrist with a special interest in dry eye.

At Kelly Eyecare, our experts are passionate about this area of eye health. We’ll take the time to discuss your lifestyle, examine your eyes using state-of-the-art equipment, provide tailored advice, and recommend the most effective treatment for your condition.

Book Your Autumn/Winter Eye Check

Don’t let dry eyes spoil the season. Book an appointment with Kelly Eyecare for expert advice and lasting relief.