Why Do You Get Itchy Eyes in Winter

When we think about how the seasons can affect your eyes, the first thought for the majority of people will be spring with the start of hay fever season wreaking havoc on the fragile nature of the eyes. In summer, strong sunlight can cause excessive watering and discomfort. If you’d like to find out more about how the seasons and hay fever can cause itchy eyes, then you can read our blogs on seasonal dry eye here.

In winter many people will struggle with feeling of itchiness or pain without knowing the cause. It’s even been coined ‘Dry January’ – not just because of the anti-alcohol campaign – but because of how frequent complaints of dry eyes become in the winter months.

At a time of year when many people would like to celebrate with their families, enjoy seasonal activities, and relax indoors, it can be stressful to be plagued by sensations of itching and irritation.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your winter fun if you’re dealing with the effects of Dry Eye Disease. Here’s why you may be suffering from symptoms at this time of year and how you can combat them to keep your eyes more comfortable in the colder months.

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that can cause many symptoms of discomfort related to your eyes. It affects your tear film – the layers that make up tears that serve to protect your eyes from irritation and allow you to see comfortably.[1]

Moisture is key to keeping comfortable and helping you retain clear vision – but even more importantly, Dry Eye Disease has been linked to more severe eye health issues and ignoring or not treating your Dry Eye Disease can lead to permanent damage.[2]

How does Dry Eye Disease affect the tear film?

Your healthy tear film is made of three layers – an aqueous layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer.[3]

These layers are spread across the ocular surface of the eye and should remain undisturbed in order to provide adequate moisture. The loss of homeostasis of the tear film affects the ability of your eyes to produce tears or causes the tear film to become unstable, leading to the symptoms associated with Dry Eye Disease.[4]

What causes damage to the tear film?

There are many diseases, disorders, and factors that can cause a person to develop Dry Eye Disease including Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and even aging.[4]

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

The name Dry Eye Disease can be confusing. In fact, there are a variety of symptoms associated with the condition, beyond feelings of dryness. You may have Dry Eye Disease if you suffer from:

Itchy eyes
Red Eyes
Feelings of grit in your eyes
Eye soreness
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive watering[5]

When you suffer from dry eyes, it can affect your everyday life. You may notice it’s becoming difficult to wear contact lenses and that you struggle to be outside in extreme weather or near campfires. For many people it’s an embarrassing situation. But you don’t need to simply exist with these symptoms.

How is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?

If you believe you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, the first steps would be to check your symptoms. Read our page of symptoms to see whether you could have Dry Eye Syndrome. Or you can take a test like the questionnaire on VISU Shop that can help assess your current symptoms and suggest the perfect treatments to help. Try the Dry Eye Test here.

Another way to diagnose Dry Eye Disease would be to take an eye exam with your optician or ophthalmologist. They’ll conduct a few tests to assess how quickly you produce tears and the quality of your tears and may be able to provide professional advice on managing the disease.[6]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

How Do Environmental Factors Affect Dry Eye?

While there are many causes of Dry Eye Disease, environmental factors often play a large role. Dry Eye Disease is caused by tears not lubricating your eyes properly. While many disorders and diseases can affect the actual production of tear, your environment can cause your tear to evaporate too quickly. This results in the same issue, with the eye surface not receiving adequate lubrication.[7]

How the Winter Weather can Cause Dry and Itchy Eyes

Many common weather conditions can affect our health and wellbeing – including our eye health.

Wind

In the winter, many countries (including the UK) often experience stronger and more frequent wind. This wind causes air to move more quickly across the eye surface which evaporates the protective tears lubricating the film. This evaporation can lead to your eyes becoming more irritated. The wind also carries debris and wind, which irritates and aggravates the delicate surface of the eyes, once again leading to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.[8]

Changing Humidity

When the temperature drops, the temperature of the air will also drop. This change in humidity means your eyes and skin doesn’t receive as much moisture, causing your tears to evaporate quicker. This can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, including itchiness.[9]

Indoor Heating

Just like the colder weather outside, indoor heating systems can reduce humidity inside your homes. This dry air can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate faster, leading to the feelings of grittiness, itchiness, and redness we associate with Dry Eye Disease.[10]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 1

How Can you Tackle the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in Winter?

While dry eyes can be a nuisance and cause a lot of stress in your life, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms it causes.

Use warm compresses at night to help stimulate oil glands that contribute to the hydration of your tear film.
Use a humidifier to help combat the dry air inside and outside of the home
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body and eyes.[11]
Take a break while using computers or digital screens.
Refrain from consistently wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses to give your eyes a well deserves break.
Eat oily fish two to three times a way to increase your intake of omega-3 and beneficial fatty acids.[12]

One of the most useful ways to combat itchy and dry eyes in winter is to use artificial tears. Eye drops can provide the moisture your lens needs, as well as helping to restore and heal any damage that may have resulted from your Dry Eye disease. Xailin® Ectoine is a great choice for people suffering from Dry Eye Disease caused by environmental factors. It can provide soothing relief, as well as intense moisture, resulting in long lasting protection from red, itchy eyes. You can shop for the eye drops here.

If you’re in need of someone to talk to about your difficult Dry Eye Disease symptoms, you can join our Dry Eye and Me community on Facebook and Instagram today.

References

Back to news

How to Care for Your Dry Eye in Summer

When we think about how the seasons can affect your eyes, the first thought for the majority of people will be spring with the start of hay fever season wreaking havoc on the fragile nature of the eyes. In summer, strong sunlight can cause excessive watering and discomfort. If you’d like to find out more about how the seasons and hay fever can cause itchy eyes, then you can read our blogs on seasonal dry eye here.

In winter many people will struggle with feeling of itchiness or pain without knowing the cause. It’s even been coined ‘Dry January’ – not just because of the anti-alcohol campaign – but because of how frequent complaints of dry eyes become in the winter months.

At a time of year when many people would like to celebrate with their families, enjoy seasonal activities, and relax indoors, it can be stressful to be plagued by sensations of itching and irritation.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your winter fun if you’re dealing with the effects of Dry Eye Disease. Here’s why you may be suffering from symptoms at this time of year and how you can combat them to keep your eyes more comfortable in the colder months.

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that can cause many symptoms of discomfort related to your eyes. It affects your tear film – the layers that make up tears that serve to protect your eyes from irritation and allow you to see comfortably.[1]

Moisture is key to keeping comfortable and helping you retain clear vision – but even more importantly, Dry Eye Disease has been linked to more severe eye health issues and ignoring or not treating your Dry Eye Disease can lead to permanent damage.[2]

How does Dry Eye Disease affect the tear film?

Your healthy tear film is made of three layers – an aqueous layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer.[3]

These layers are spread across the ocular surface of the eye and should remain undisturbed in order to provide adequate moisture. The loss of homeostasis of the tear film affects the ability of your eyes to produce tears or causes the tear film to become unstable, leading to the symptoms associated with Dry Eye Disease.[4]

What causes damage to the tear film?

There are many diseases, disorders, and factors that can cause a person to develop Dry Eye Disease including Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and even aging.[4]

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

The name Dry Eye Disease can be confusing. In fact, there are a variety of symptoms associated with the condition, beyond feelings of dryness. You may have Dry Eye Disease if you suffer from:

Itchy eyes
Red Eyes
Feelings of grit in your eyes
Eye soreness
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive watering[5]

When you suffer from dry eyes, it can affect your everyday life. You may notice it’s becoming difficult to wear contact lenses and that you struggle to be outside in extreme weather or near campfires. For many people it’s an embarrassing situation. But you don’t need to simply exist with these symptoms.

How is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?

If you believe you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, the first steps would be to check your symptoms. Read our page of symptoms to see whether you could have Dry Eye Syndrome. Or you can take a test like the questionnaire on VISU Shop that can help assess your current symptoms and suggest the perfect treatments to help. Try the Dry Eye Test here.

Another way to diagnose Dry Eye Disease would be to take an eye exam with your optician or ophthalmologist. They’ll conduct a few tests to assess how quickly you produce tears and the quality of your tears and may be able to provide professional advice on managing the disease.[6]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

How Do Environmental Factors Affect Dry Eye?

While there are many causes of Dry Eye Disease, environmental factors often play a large role. Dry Eye Disease is caused by tears not lubricating your eyes properly. While many disorders and diseases can affect the actual production of tear, your environment can cause your tear to evaporate too quickly. This results in the same issue, with the eye surface not receiving adequate lubrication.[7]

How the Winter Weather can Cause Dry and Itchy Eyes

Many common weather conditions can affect our health and wellbeing – including our eye health.

Wind

In the winter, many countries (including the UK) often experience stronger and more frequent wind. This wind causes air to move more quickly across the eye surface which evaporates the protective tears lubricating the film. This evaporation can lead to your eyes becoming more irritated. The wind also carries debris and wind, which irritates and aggravates the delicate surface of the eyes, once again leading to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.[8]

Changing Humidity

When the temperature drops, the temperature of the air will also drop. This change in humidity means your eyes and skin doesn’t receive as much moisture, causing your tears to evaporate quicker. This can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, including itchiness.[9]

Indoor Heating

Just like the colder weather outside, indoor heating systems can reduce humidity inside your homes. This dry air can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate faster, leading to the feelings of grittiness, itchiness, and redness we associate with Dry Eye Disease.[10]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 1

How Can you Tackle the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in Winter?

While dry eyes can be a nuisance and cause a lot of stress in your life, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms it causes.

Use warm compresses at night to help stimulate oil glands that contribute to the hydration of your tear film.
Use a humidifier to help combat the dry air inside and outside of the home
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body and eyes.[11]
Take a break while using computers or digital screens.
Refrain from consistently wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses to give your eyes a well deserves break.
Eat oily fish two to three times a way to increase your intake of omega-3 and beneficial fatty acids.[12]

One of the most useful ways to combat itchy and dry eyes in winter is to use artificial tears. Eye drops can provide the moisture your lens needs, as well as helping to restore and heal any damage that may have resulted from your Dry Eye disease. Xailin® Ectoine is a great choice for people suffering from Dry Eye Disease caused by environmental factors. It can provide soothing relief, as well as intense moisture, resulting in long lasting protection from red, itchy eyes. You can shop for the eye drops here.

If you’re in need of someone to talk to about your difficult Dry Eye Disease symptoms, you can join our Dry Eye and Me community on Facebook and Instagram today.

References

Back to news

Seasonal Versus Chronic Dry Eye: Is your Dry Eye Caused by the Seasons?

When we think about how the seasons can affect your eyes, the first thought for the majority of people will be spring with the start of hay fever season wreaking havoc on the fragile nature of the eyes. In summer, strong sunlight can cause excessive watering and discomfort. If you’d like to find out more about how the seasons and hay fever can cause itchy eyes, then you can read our blogs on seasonal dry eye here.

In winter many people will struggle with feeling of itchiness or pain without knowing the cause. It’s even been coined ‘Dry January’ – not just because of the anti-alcohol campaign – but because of how frequent complaints of dry eyes become in the winter months.

At a time of year when many people would like to celebrate with their families, enjoy seasonal activities, and relax indoors, it can be stressful to be plagued by sensations of itching and irritation.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your winter fun if you’re dealing with the effects of Dry Eye Disease. Here’s why you may be suffering from symptoms at this time of year and how you can combat them to keep your eyes more comfortable in the colder months.

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that can cause many symptoms of discomfort related to your eyes. It affects your tear film – the layers that make up tears that serve to protect your eyes from irritation and allow you to see comfortably.[1]

Moisture is key to keeping comfortable and helping you retain clear vision – but even more importantly, Dry Eye Disease has been linked to more severe eye health issues and ignoring or not treating your Dry Eye Disease can lead to permanent damage.[2]

How does Dry Eye Disease affect the tear film?

Your healthy tear film is made of three layers – an aqueous layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer.[3]

These layers are spread across the ocular surface of the eye and should remain undisturbed in order to provide adequate moisture. The loss of homeostasis of the tear film affects the ability of your eyes to produce tears or causes the tear film to become unstable, leading to the symptoms associated with Dry Eye Disease.[4]

What causes damage to the tear film?

There are many diseases, disorders, and factors that can cause a person to develop Dry Eye Disease including Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and even aging.[4]

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

The name Dry Eye Disease can be confusing. In fact, there are a variety of symptoms associated with the condition, beyond feelings of dryness. You may have Dry Eye Disease if you suffer from:

Itchy eyes
Red Eyes
Feelings of grit in your eyes
Eye soreness
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive watering[5]

When you suffer from dry eyes, it can affect your everyday life. You may notice it’s becoming difficult to wear contact lenses and that you struggle to be outside in extreme weather or near campfires. For many people it’s an embarrassing situation. But you don’t need to simply exist with these symptoms.

How is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?

If you believe you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, the first steps would be to check your symptoms. Read our page of symptoms to see whether you could have Dry Eye Syndrome. Or you can take a test like the questionnaire on VISU Shop that can help assess your current symptoms and suggest the perfect treatments to help. Try the Dry Eye Test here.

Another way to diagnose Dry Eye Disease would be to take an eye exam with your optician or ophthalmologist. They’ll conduct a few tests to assess how quickly you produce tears and the quality of your tears and may be able to provide professional advice on managing the disease.[6]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

How Do Environmental Factors Affect Dry Eye?

While there are many causes of Dry Eye Disease, environmental factors often play a large role. Dry Eye Disease is caused by tears not lubricating your eyes properly. While many disorders and diseases can affect the actual production of tear, your environment can cause your tear to evaporate too quickly. This results in the same issue, with the eye surface not receiving adequate lubrication.[7]

How the Winter Weather can Cause Dry and Itchy Eyes

Many common weather conditions can affect our health and wellbeing – including our eye health.

Wind

In the winter, many countries (including the UK) often experience stronger and more frequent wind. This wind causes air to move more quickly across the eye surface which evaporates the protective tears lubricating the film. This evaporation can lead to your eyes becoming more irritated. The wind also carries debris and wind, which irritates and aggravates the delicate surface of the eyes, once again leading to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.[8]

Changing Humidity

When the temperature drops, the temperature of the air will also drop. This change in humidity means your eyes and skin doesn’t receive as much moisture, causing your tears to evaporate quicker. This can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, including itchiness.[9]

Indoor Heating

Just like the colder weather outside, indoor heating systems can reduce humidity inside your homes. This dry air can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate faster, leading to the feelings of grittiness, itchiness, and redness we associate with Dry Eye Disease.[10]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 1

How Can you Tackle the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in Winter?

While dry eyes can be a nuisance and cause a lot of stress in your life, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms it causes.

Use warm compresses at night to help stimulate oil glands that contribute to the hydration of your tear film.
Use a humidifier to help combat the dry air inside and outside of the home
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body and eyes.[11]
Take a break while using computers or digital screens.
Refrain from consistently wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses to give your eyes a well deserves break.
Eat oily fish two to three times a way to increase your intake of omega-3 and beneficial fatty acids.[12]

One of the most useful ways to combat itchy and dry eyes in winter is to use artificial tears. Eye drops can provide the moisture your lens needs, as well as helping to restore and heal any damage that may have resulted from your Dry Eye disease. Xailin® Ectoine is a great choice for people suffering from Dry Eye Disease caused by environmental factors. It can provide soothing relief, as well as intense moisture, resulting in long lasting protection from red, itchy eyes. You can shop for the eye drops here.

If you’re in need of someone to talk to about your difficult Dry Eye Disease symptoms, you can join our Dry Eye and Me community on Facebook and Instagram today.

References

Back to news

Battling Dry Eye in Bad Weather

When we think about how the seasons can affect your eyes, the first thought for the majority of people will be spring with the start of hay fever season wreaking havoc on the fragile nature of the eyes. In summer, strong sunlight can cause excessive watering and discomfort. If you’d like to find out more about how the seasons and hay fever can cause itchy eyes, then you can read our blogs on seasonal dry eye here.

In winter many people will struggle with feeling of itchiness or pain without knowing the cause. It’s even been coined ‘Dry January’ – not just because of the anti-alcohol campaign – but because of how frequent complaints of dry eyes become in the winter months.

At a time of year when many people would like to celebrate with their families, enjoy seasonal activities, and relax indoors, it can be stressful to be plagued by sensations of itching and irritation.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your winter fun if you’re dealing with the effects of Dry Eye Disease. Here’s why you may be suffering from symptoms at this time of year and how you can combat them to keep your eyes more comfortable in the colder months.

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that can cause many symptoms of discomfort related to your eyes. It affects your tear film – the layers that make up tears that serve to protect your eyes from irritation and allow you to see comfortably.[1]

Moisture is key to keeping comfortable and helping you retain clear vision – but even more importantly, Dry Eye Disease has been linked to more severe eye health issues and ignoring or not treating your Dry Eye Disease can lead to permanent damage.[2]

How does Dry Eye Disease affect the tear film?

Your healthy tear film is made of three layers – an aqueous layer, a mucus layer, and an oil layer.[3]

These layers are spread across the ocular surface of the eye and should remain undisturbed in order to provide adequate moisture. The loss of homeostasis of the tear film affects the ability of your eyes to produce tears or causes the tear film to become unstable, leading to the symptoms associated with Dry Eye Disease.[4]

What causes damage to the tear film?

There are many diseases, disorders, and factors that can cause a person to develop Dry Eye Disease including Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and even aging.[4]

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

The name Dry Eye Disease can be confusing. In fact, there are a variety of symptoms associated with the condition, beyond feelings of dryness. You may have Dry Eye Disease if you suffer from:

Itchy eyes
Red Eyes
Feelings of grit in your eyes
Eye soreness
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Excessive watering[5]

When you suffer from dry eyes, it can affect your everyday life. You may notice it’s becoming difficult to wear contact lenses and that you struggle to be outside in extreme weather or near campfires. For many people it’s an embarrassing situation. But you don’t need to simply exist with these symptoms.

How is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?

If you believe you’re suffering from Dry Eye Disease, the first steps would be to check your symptoms. Read our page of symptoms to see whether you could have Dry Eye Syndrome. Or you can take a test like the questionnaire on VISU Shop that can help assess your current symptoms and suggest the perfect treatments to help. Try the Dry Eye Test here.

Another way to diagnose Dry Eye Disease would be to take an eye exam with your optician or ophthalmologist. They’ll conduct a few tests to assess how quickly you produce tears and the quality of your tears and may be able to provide professional advice on managing the disease.[6]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 2

How Do Environmental Factors Affect Dry Eye?

While there are many causes of Dry Eye Disease, environmental factors often play a large role. Dry Eye Disease is caused by tears not lubricating your eyes properly. While many disorders and diseases can affect the actual production of tear, your environment can cause your tear to evaporate too quickly. This results in the same issue, with the eye surface not receiving adequate lubrication.[7]

How the Winter Weather can Cause Dry and Itchy Eyes

Many common weather conditions can affect our health and wellbeing – including our eye health.

Wind

In the winter, many countries (including the UK) often experience stronger and more frequent wind. This wind causes air to move more quickly across the eye surface which evaporates the protective tears lubricating the film. This evaporation can lead to your eyes becoming more irritated. The wind also carries debris and wind, which irritates and aggravates the delicate surface of the eyes, once again leading to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.[8]

Changing Humidity

When the temperature drops, the temperature of the air will also drop. This change in humidity means your eyes and skin doesn’t receive as much moisture, causing your tears to evaporate quicker. This can lead to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, including itchiness.[9]

Indoor Heating

Just like the colder weather outside, indoor heating systems can reduce humidity inside your homes. This dry air can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate faster, leading to the feelings of grittiness, itchiness, and redness we associate with Dry Eye Disease.[10]

Itchy eyes in winter Dry Eye and Me blog image 1

How Can you Tackle the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in Winter?

While dry eyes can be a nuisance and cause a lot of stress in your life, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms it causes.

Use warm compresses at night to help stimulate oil glands that contribute to the hydration of your tear film.
Use a humidifier to help combat the dry air inside and outside of the home
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body and eyes.[11]
Take a break while using computers or digital screens.
Refrain from consistently wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses to give your eyes a well deserves break.
Eat oily fish two to three times a way to increase your intake of omega-3 and beneficial fatty acids.[12]

One of the most useful ways to combat itchy and dry eyes in winter is to use artificial tears. Eye drops can provide the moisture your lens needs, as well as helping to restore and heal any damage that may have resulted from your Dry Eye disease. Xailin® Ectoine is a great choice for people suffering from Dry Eye Disease caused by environmental factors. It can provide soothing relief, as well as intense moisture, resulting in long lasting protection from red, itchy eyes. You can shop for the eye drops here.

If you’re in need of someone to talk to about your difficult Dry Eye Disease symptoms, you can join our Dry Eye and Me community on Facebook and Instagram today.

References

Back to news

Hay Fever Season: How to Fight Dry Eye When You Step Outside

Hay Fever, dry eye disease, or something else entirely?

Are dry eyes ruining your morning run? Do you struggle on your commute? Scared to wear makeup now for fear of it streaming down your face by the time you step into the office? Don’t worry, you’re not alone – and this doesn’t need to be a constant battle.

Dry Eye or hay fever?

Often, people find that dry eyes are worse in the morning or before they go to bed. The first step to tackling your health problems is to work out its root cause. It could be dry eye disease causing your troubles, or it could be hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Hay fever and seasonal allergies affect everyone in different ways. When hay fever season starts up (usually late March to September) you’ll see the symptoms worsening. From sneezing fits, to a runny nose and dry itchy eyes, hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen which is a common pollutant in the air. There is no current cure for hay fever, but you can take a medication called antihistamines to lessen its effect. [1]

Field with butterflies

Some people do experience hay fever in the winter. This can be due to a number of reasons like living in a warmer climate where plants may not go dormant and therefore release pollen all year long. If you suffer from Allergic Rhinitis (which pollen is the most common cause of) you can also experience similar hay fever symptoms due to mould, pet dander, and even dust mites – all of which may feel worse due to being indoors more! Often people will mistake this for a common cold, but if you’re feeling itchy, think hay fever. If you’re feeling achy, think cold.

It can be really tricky to work out if your symptoms are caused by dry eye disease or hay fever, but there are some key distinctions. If your dry eye symptoms improve in autumn and winter, it’s likely caused by a pollen allergy, rather than dry eye disease. Additionally, if you’ve also experienced cold-like symptoms such as a dry throat and runny nose, and you’re not experiencing a sensitivity to light or a gritty feeling in your eyes, it’s more likely to be hay fever and allergy symptoms. [2]

Other conditions that could be causing your dry eye

If your dry eye symptoms hit before you’ve even had a chance to take a step out of the door though, then it’s time to consider other possible causes. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos can make it difficult to close your eye completely at night, leading to air exposure which worsens dry eye symptoms in the morning. [3] This condition has to be treated properly or it can lead to impaired vision. [4]

Another possible explanation for painful, inflamed eyes in the morning is Blepharitis which is an inflammation along the edges of the eyelid. You may find your eyelids are crusty and itchy when you wake up, and you can even have issues opening your eyes. [5]

Other possible explanations for your dry eyes in the mornings

You may even find that certain medications that you take at bedtime can cause dry eye symptoms in the morning. Even antihistamines that you may take to lessen the symptoms of hay fever during the day can cause eyes to feel dry in the morning. [6]

Sleeping with air conditioning and heating units can also affect the way your eyes feel and your dry eye symptoms in the morning, as can your environment. [7] This can be a simple fix that will go a long way to improving your life.

Many factors can cause dry, itchy, and even sore eyes when you wake up. Hormonal fluctuations and age can also contribute, so if you’ve noticed that you’re tearing up in the mornings more often as you approach your 60s, you’re not alone and you don’t need to worry.

Luckily, many of the treatments for dry eye syndrome can soothe these symptoms and leave you feeling ready to start your day.

Treating Dry Eye in the mornings

If your symptoms most closely match dry eye and they worsen in the mornings then there are ways you can take action and treat it. Create a morning and evening routine that will help rather than harm. The hot air from hair dryers can worsen eye dryness so towel dry your hair instead. Use eye drops before bed to moisten your eyes. You can even wash your eyelids and use a warm compress if you’re looking to soothe chronic dry eye symptoms. [8]

Take a look at our 10 Tips To Ease Dry Eye at Night blog, as many of these tips will relieve symptoms the morning after as well. [9]

Whether it’s hay fever and seasonal allergies, or dry eye disease, eye drops can definitely help you feel a little brighter and soothe painful, itchy eyes. VisuXL® Gel eye drops can lubricate your eyes for up to twelve hours using a thicker moisture barrier. Use them day and night!

The best way to fight dry eyes when you step outside is good preparation. That includes working out what’s causing your irritation so you best know how to tackle it. To fight dry eyes in the morning a great routine for the morning and night will help relieve symptoms, as well as to make sure you’re supporting your overall eye health. Follow these tips for the hay fever season and beyond to feel ready to take on the day without dry eye disease bringing you down.

We hope this article has answered your Dry Eye questions. However, if not please reach out to us on our socials, join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and discover more advice to help your eyes.

References

Back to news

Can the Environment Cause Dry Eyes?

You may have noticed that the change of seasons or new surroundings has suddenly worsened your Dry Eye symptoms. This is because your environment can trigger Dry Eye syndrome, with factors like the weather, climate, and air quality all contributing. Let’s explore some of the specific environmental factors to bear in mind when trying to improve your condition.

Frost on grass

Can the time of year impact dry eyes?

Changes to the air temperature, humidity, and air quality come with the changing seasons. So it’s only natural that throughout certain seasons your eyes may become more irritated and dry. Spring can bring about seasonal allergies such as hay fever when allergens in the air are more prominent. When the pollen count is high, many Dry Eye sufferers will find that their symptoms worsen. However, we’d always recommend speaking to your doctor if this is the case, as often over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines can make Dry Eye symptoms worse as a side effect.

In addition to this, colder months throughout winter can irritate dry eyes the most when compared to the other seasons. This is because of the cold air outside, combined with indoor heating making a very dry environment. Indoor humidifiers are a good way to try and keep more moisture in your air at home and help to improve your symptoms.[1]

Waterfall surrounded by greenery

What climate is best for dry eyes?

Hot, dry air can cause moisture from your eyes to evaporate quickly, yet as we’ve discussed already, colder weather can trigger dry eye syndrome too. The key is to find a climate that’s not too hot, or too cold. Many researchers have seen a dip in Dry Eye throughout the summer months due to the humid air and warmer temperatures.[1] Therefore, a warm environment with plenty of moisture and humidity in the air is the ideal climate for Dry Eye sufferers.[2] So pack your bags and book that plane ticket, because now you have the perfect excuse to go on holiday!

The impact of living in the city on dry eyes

While living and working in the city can be fun and energising, it can also take a toll on your eyes. Let’s look at some of the common causes of Dry Eye Syndrome in the city.

London road with busy traffic

Air pollution

Our eyes are exposed to everything in the air surrounding us, whether that’s fresh air from the countryside, smoke from a fire, or pollution from traffic in the city. When exposed to pollution, small particles of dust and smoke can become stuck in your tear film. This means that you’re not able to produce as many tears to keep your eyes lubricated and moist, which often results in dry, irritated eyes. You can help to ease these symptoms by using umbrellas to shield your face against smog and dust, as well as wrap-around sunglasses to stop these things from going in your eyes. [3]

Laptop on a desk, statistics on the screen

Screen time

When working in cities, it’s often the norm to have a standard 9-5 office job, where you spend most of your day behind a computer screen. In addition to this, many who live in the city rely on public transport such as trains, trams or buses to get to and from work every day. During this commute, the majority of people will be on their phones. Increased screen time can result in a condition called Digital Eye Strain, or Computer Eye Syndrome. It’s a common condition that affects many office workers, yet only 1 in 5 people are aware of having it.[3] Trying to reduce your screen time is the best way to reduce the symptoms of Digital Eye Strain and keep your monitor at eye level when working.

How to alleviate Dry Eye symptoms

While there is no permanent cure for Dry Eye Syndrome, there are some simple steps you can take to help alleviate your symptoms.

Orange sliced open

Eat more vitamins

Monitoring your diet and increasing the amount of specific vitamins you eat can be useful in reducing dry eyes. Here is a list of the best vitamins for the eyes.

Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Omega 3
Vitamin C
Flaxseed Oil
Zinc
Vitamin D
Lutein & Zeaxanthin [4]

wraparound sunglasses for dry eye laid on a hat

Wear wrap-around sunglasses

Wearing special wrap-around glasses for dry eyes is a great way to ensure your eyes stay protected from harsh winds, cold air, dust, and debris. These glasses also often feature special lenses which act as a barrier between your eyes and the environment – including allergens like pollen. This makes them a great choice for hay fever sufferers, as the condition can make Dry Eye symptoms worse.[5]

Hands type on a laptop keyboard

Take a break from screen time

As we’ve previously mentioned, screen time is one of the biggest causes of Dry Eye Syndrome. Reducing your screen time where possible will help to relieve your symptoms. Even if you work behind a computer, taking regular breaks from looking at the screen is important. We like to follow the 20/20/20 rule, which is a simple lifestyle change to help remind you to take a break from your screen. The rule is that every 20 minutes, you should look at something which is 20 feet away, for 20 seconds or more. This can be applied when working or watching TV, and numerous studies have found that it’s successful in alleviating Dry Eye symptoms as a result of too much screen time.[6]

For more information on Computer Vision Syndrome, read our blog.

Close up of brown eye

Use VisuXL Gel®

While these lifestyle changes can help to relieve your symptoms of Dry Eye, the best way to feel fully comfortable is to use over-the-counter medications. VisuXL Gel® provides 12-hour protection with just one drop and works by increasing the moisture in your eyes to form a protective cushion around them.[7]

To find out more about VisuXL® Gel visit our VISUfarma shop.

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

References

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Everything You Need To Know About Dry Eye

Are you suffering from Dry Eye and unsure about why your symptoms occur and what to do about it?
In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about Dry Eye syndrome, with frequently asked questions that may help you manage your dry eye symptoms.

What is the main cause of Dry Eye?

Dry Eye is caused by your eyes not producing enough tears, or your tears drying up too quickly. A number of factors can contribute to this, including looking at electronic screens for too long, being in an air-conditioned, dry or windy environment and drinking alcohol or smoking. Taking certain medications can dry your eyes out too, however, if you stop taking the medication in question your Dry Eye symptoms can go away.[1] Medication should never be stopped without consulting your GP or doctor first, so always check with them before you stop taking anything.

How do dry eyes feel?

Dry eyes can feel very uncomfortable, and in more extreme cases, it can be painful. If you have dry eyes they may feel:

Gritty
Itchy
Sore
Watery
Sensitive to light
Blurry

Eye drops can help ease this irritation. We advise speaking to a medical professional about what treatment options are right for you.[1]

How do dry eyes affect vision?

If you have a mild case of Dry Eye, it is unlikely that it will cause any permanent damage to your eyesight, especially if you receive treatment to ease your symptoms. If you suffer from a more severe case of Dry Eye, the cornea of your eye can become damaged. This can cause you to experience eyesight problems such as blurry or cloudy vision, and in some cases can lead to blindness.[2]

dry eyes and vision

What can dry eyes be a symptom of?
Dry eyes can be a symptom of a number of conditions that you may suffer from. Sjogren’s Syndrome affects fluids in the body, including tears, so can therefore cause Dry Eye as a result. Blepharitis is a temporary but uncomfortable condition that can cause gritty and dry feeling eyes.[1] Dry Eye can also be a symptom of menopause. During menopause the decrease in the androgen hormone effects certain glands in the eyes, which produce oils that are essential for tear production. As a result, this can lead to increased tear evaporation and dry eyes.[3]

Does Dry Eye go away?
Sometimes Dry Eye symptoms can go away on their own, especially if it’s down to an environmental factor. These factors may be things like prolonged screen use, dry conditions and dietary issues. Often changing these lifestyle factors can reduce or get rid of your symptoms.

If your Dry Eye is a chronic condition, the symptoms can be managed and lessened, but will not completely go away. Chronic Dry Eye means your eyes can’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist, so is therefore down to a medical factor rather than a lifestyle factor.[4]

Can lack of sleep cause Dry Eye?
Sleep is important for eyes, as studies have shown that for your eyes to properly refresh you need at least five hours of sleep. A lack of sleep can therefore cause Dry Eye, as your eyes have not had enough time to refresh and they are not effectively lubricated. This can lead to pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness or blurry vision.[5]

dry eye and sleep

Does drinking water help dry eyes?
Drinking more water helps you stay hydrated, which can in turn help your eyes stay hydrated and moist. You should aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration levels and help ease your dry eyes.[6]

How can I treat Dry Eye at home?
There are a few ways you can ease your Dry Eye symptoms at home. Ensure you clean your eyes daily, to get rid of any dust or dirt that may be trapped in your eyes. You can do this by soaking a clean flannel in warm water, and placing it over your eyes for five to ten minutes. Then massage your eyelids for around thirty seconds to release any dirt, before wiping it away.[7]

Limit your use of electronic devices, or make sure that you have regular breaks if you need to use screens for work purposes. Purchase a humidifier to add more moisture into the air. If you wear contacts, wear glasses when you can to rest your eyes.[1]

Is it ok to use eye drops every day?
You should always listen to your doctor’s advice when it comes to how regularly you use your eye drops, as every case is different. Most eye drops are usually recommended to be taken twice a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the kind of eye drops you are using. If you feel that you need more eye drops per day, you should consult with a healthcare professional.[8]

dry eye and eye drops

What are the best drops for dry eyes?

Artificial tears are usually the option most commonly used for dry eyes. They keep your eyes moist and help to heal the surface of your eye, which helps to reduce irritation. Some do contain preservatives which can irritate your eyes more if they are particularly sensitive, so make sure to look out for preservative-free options like the VisuXL® drops.

You can also use allergy drops if your symptoms are caused or worsened by common allergens. They contain antihistamines to stop allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy, uncomfortable eyes.[9]

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

We hope this article has answered all your Dry Eye questions. However, if not please reach out to us on our socials, join our community on Facebook and Instagram and discover further advice to help your eyes.

References

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6 Conditions That Cause Dry Eye

While anyone can develop Dry Eye Syndrome, there are certain conditions that put you more at risk, whether it’s long-term or temporarily.

In this article, we list some of the most common conditions that cause Dry Eye symptoms, as well as providing tips to relieve your symptoms.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome affects fluids in the body like tears and spit. The condition can cause dryness all over the body, including your eyes. There is no cure for the syndrome and the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms including protecting your eyes from the environment with sunglasses, limiting reading and screen time and not smoking or drinking alcohol. Medication and eye drops can help with maintaining the moisture in your eyes if you have Sjogren’s Syndrome.[1]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks cells that line the joints by mistake, which makes them more painful and stiff. In some people, this condition can cause inflammation in other areas of the body, including the eyes.[2] When there is inflammation in the eyes, it can affect the tear ducts which causes them to produce less tears. In addition, it can also affect the production of all 3 layers of the tear film will are essential for optimal comfort and moisture, which can also make your eyes feel more dry.[3] Although there is no cure, if you’re suffering with Rheumatoid Arthritis you can take medications to help your symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. This in turn should help reduce your chances of inflammation in your eyes and therefore prevent Dry Eye.[4]

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (Sleeping With Eyes Slightly Open)

Did you know that 20% of people, including babies, sleep with their eyes slightly open? There are a few reasons why this may happen, but some people are simply just born with issues that prevent them from closing their eyes completely. It can also occur if you suffer from a condition that affects the nerves in your face, which can be caused by a stroke, serious injury or Bell’s Palsy.[5]

If your eyes can’t close properly they will dry out, as blinking will be less effective. This is especially the case if you’re sleeping with open eyes, as dust and dirt can enter the eye easier whilst you sleep. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos doesn’t prevent you from sleeping, however as it causes dry eyes and irritation, it can make you more restless.[5]

There are treatments to help the problem, as your doctor can give you eye drops or ointments to prevent your eyes from becoming dry. There’s even an option for your doctor to give you a small weight or medical tape to keep your eyes fully closed while you sleep. You should not ignore the condition as it can cause more complications like vision loss, if you don’t seek treatment.[5]

Allergies

Allergies like Hay Fever can trigger symptoms of Dry Eye. Doing outdoor activities when pollen is high in the atmosphere can worsen your symptoms and set off your allergies. These symptoms include eye itchiness and dry eyes. To avoid your reaction to allergens, avoid going outside when you feel your allergies flare up, and prevent yourself from doing activities such as gardening when you feel your eyes become itchy or dry. You can also take allergy medication to help relieve your eye irritation.[6]

hay fever and dry eye

Cataracts Surgery

It’s common to have dry eyes after having cataract surgery, in fact 42% of participants in a 2019 surgery who had cataract surgery said they developed Dry Eye symptoms.[7]

The surgery can cause Dry Eye symptoms as it can make the lipid layer of the eye, that stabilises the tear film, thinner. Therefore, the tear film can become unstable and result in creating drier eyes. Dry eyes after cataract surgery may also be due to corneal nerve damage, light exposure, inflammation and medicated eye drops as a result of the surgery itself.[7]

Post-surgery Dry Eye symptoms are usually temporary but can be very uncomfortable. The symptoms of Dry Eye after cataracts can be:

Eye pain
Burning sensation in the eye
Higher sensitivity to wind and light
Feeling like you have something stuck in your eye
Blurry vision

[7]

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is not a serious condition, however it can cause uncomfortable symptoms that include dry eyes. Blepharitis symptoms include swollen and itchy eyes, gritty feeling in the eyes and eyelids sticking together.[8]

You can treat Blepharitis by cleaning your eyelids twice a day, then once your symptoms improve, you drop this down to once a day. To stop further irritation, use a soft flannel or cotton wool when cleaning your eyes. You should avoid wearing contact lenses and makeup while you have Blepharitis to prevent making your symptoms worse.[8]

We hope this article has helped you to recognise the conditions that may be causing your Dry Eye, and how you can help ease your symptoms.

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

References

Back to news

5 Dry Eye Myths You Need To Know About

While anyone can develop Dry Eye Syndrome, there are certain conditions that put you more at risk, whether it’s long-term or temporarily.

In this article, we list some of the most common conditions that cause Dry Eye symptoms, as well as providing tips to relieve your symptoms.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome affects fluids in the body like tears and spit. The condition can cause dryness all over the body, including your eyes. There is no cure for the syndrome and the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms including protecting your eyes from the environment with sunglasses, limiting reading and screen time and not smoking or drinking alcohol. Medication and eye drops can help with maintaining the moisture in your eyes if you have Sjogren’s Syndrome.[1]

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks cells that line the joints by mistake, which makes them more painful and stiff. In some people, this condition can cause inflammation in other areas of the body, including the eyes.[2] When there is inflammation in the eyes, it can affect the tear ducts which causes them to produce less tears. In addition, it can also affect the production of all 3 layers of the tear film will are essential for optimal comfort and moisture, which can also make your eyes feel more dry.[3] Although there is no cure, if you’re suffering with Rheumatoid Arthritis you can take medications to help your symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. This in turn should help reduce your chances of inflammation in your eyes and therefore prevent Dry Eye.[4]

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (Sleeping With Eyes Slightly Open)

Did you know that 20% of people, including babies, sleep with their eyes slightly open? There are a few reasons why this may happen, but some people are simply just born with issues that prevent them from closing their eyes completely. It can also occur if you suffer from a condition that affects the nerves in your face, which can be caused by a stroke, serious injury or Bell’s Palsy.[5]

If your eyes can’t close properly they will dry out, as blinking will be less effective. This is especially the case if you’re sleeping with open eyes, as dust and dirt can enter the eye easier whilst you sleep. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos doesn’t prevent you from sleeping, however as it causes dry eyes and irritation, it can make you more restless.[5]

There are treatments to help the problem, as your doctor can give you eye drops or ointments to prevent your eyes from becoming dry. There’s even an option for your doctor to give you a small weight or medical tape to keep your eyes fully closed while you sleep. You should not ignore the condition as it can cause more complications like vision loss, if you don’t seek treatment.[5]

Allergies

Allergies like Hay Fever can trigger symptoms of Dry Eye. Doing outdoor activities when pollen is high in the atmosphere can worsen your symptoms and set off your allergies. These symptoms include eye itchiness and dry eyes. To avoid your reaction to allergens, avoid going outside when you feel your allergies flare up, and prevent yourself from doing activities such as gardening when you feel your eyes become itchy or dry. You can also take allergy medication to help relieve your eye irritation.[6]

hay fever and dry eye

Cataracts Surgery

It’s common to have dry eyes after having cataract surgery, in fact 42% of participants in a 2019 surgery who had cataract surgery said they developed Dry Eye symptoms.[7]

The surgery can cause Dry Eye symptoms as it can make the lipid layer of the eye, that stabilises the tear film, thinner. Therefore, the tear film can become unstable and result in creating drier eyes. Dry eyes after cataract surgery may also be due to corneal nerve damage, light exposure, inflammation and medicated eye drops as a result of the surgery itself.[7]

Post-surgery Dry Eye symptoms are usually temporary but can be very uncomfortable. The symptoms of Dry Eye after cataracts can be:

Eye pain
Burning sensation in the eye
Higher sensitivity to wind and light
Feeling like you have something stuck in your eye
Blurry vision