ANN ARBOR, Michigan (UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH) – Around 16 million Americans have dry eye disease, and experts say symptoms are even more common during the winter. These can range from scratchy or itchy eyes to a burning feeling, all of which can be worsened by cold air and wind. The director of the Kellogg Eye Center at University of Michigan Health says dry eye disease does not have a cure, but there are ways to better manage symptoms.
“There are a range of treatments that are available depending on the severity of the symptoms and the dry eye disease, from using lubricant eye drops like artificial tears that are over the counter, which can also come in different consistencies depending on how symptomatic you are, to using treatments for the eyelids, such as heat packs and warm compresses to reduce inflammation. For patients who have more severe disease, we have prescription eye drops available that help improve tear production as well as reduce inflammation, which may be causing the itchy eyes that make you want to rub your eyes,” says Dr. Shahzad Mian, director of the Kellogg Eye Center at University of Michigan Health.
Doctors may also prescribe specialty options, such as contact lenses that provide a protective layer on the surface of the eye. Mian says there are also measures everyone can take to reduce exposure to the elements that aggravate dry eye disease.
Around 16 million Americans have dry eye disease, and experts say symptoms are even more common during the winter.
“So, it’s really important to consider eye protection, like wearing sunglasses, going out and about, or just your even your regular glasses, so the wind is not directly blowing into your eyes. That’s where wearing caps or hats to kind of having a blockage of wind may help as well, and inside, it’s helpful to have humidifiers to increase the moisture in the air. Symptoms are generally better with that as well. You may also want to turn the direction of the vent in the car away from your face and your eyes, so the wind, the air, is not blowing directly towards your eyes and making your symptoms worse,” adds Dr. Mian.
If over-the-counter treatments are not working, consider making an appointment with an eye doctor.
