Winter Eye Care: How to Guard Against Dryness, Conjunctivitis & More

Winter in San Gabriel may be mild compared to other parts of the country, but the season still brings conditions that can leave your eyes feeling irritated, dry, or more susceptible to infection. Cooler air, indoor heating, and shifting humidity levels all play a role in how comfortable your eyes feel day to day. At Vizen Optometric Center, Dr. Judy Cao helps patients understand why these issues tend to surface during the colder months and what you can do to protect your eyes before problems begin.
 

Why Winter Takes a Toll on Your Eyes

Even without harsh snowstorms, California winters create conditions that can disrupt the moisture balance of your eyes. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity outdoors mean less natural lubrication. Indoors, heaters can reduce air moisture even further, leading to irritation, blurry vision, and dry eye symptoms. For many people, winter also means more exposure to allergens, spreading infections like conjunctivitis more easily.
 

Guarding Against Dry Eye During the Colder Months

Dry eye tends to flare in winter for several reasons: moisture-poor air, long hours on digital devices, and more indoor time. If you notice burning, redness, or sensitivity to light, winter dryness may be the culprit.

Here’s how to protect your tear film:
•          Use a humidifier to restore moisture indoors.
•          Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital strain.
•          Drink water regularly to support natural tear production.
•          Use preservative-free artificial tears as recommended by Dr. Cao.
•          Protect your eyes outdoors with moisture-shielding sunglasses.
•          Schedule an appointment at Vizen Optometric Center to see if Dry Eye Therapy will be beneficial for you  

If symptoms linger, a winter check-in is wise - dry eye is often manageable but rarely something to ignore.
 

Preventing Winter Conjunctivitis

Winter is also prime time for eye infections. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread quickly, especially in indoor settings, schools, and workplaces.

To lower your risk:
•          Wash your hands frequently.
•          Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
•          Don’t share towels, makeup, or pillows.
•          Replace eye cosmetics at the first sign of irritation.
•          Seek prompt care if you notice redness, discharge, or swelling.

Dr. Cao provides customized treatment for conjunctivitis and can determine whether it’s infectious, allergic, or dryness-related - a critical distinction for effective relief.
 

Other Winter Eye Concerns to Watch

Winter can amplify several additional eye issues:
•          Light Sensitivity: Cooler weather often brings brighter glare - from low winter sun to reflective surfaces. Sunglasses with UV protection help prevent discomfort and long-term damage.
•          Watery Eyes: Dryness sometimes triggers excess tearing. This reflex can blur vision and create irritation. Moisturizing treatments or addressing underlying dryness can bring relief.
•          Fluctuating Vision: When heaters and outdoor chill create rapid transitions in air moisture, your tear film can struggle to stabilize, leading to brief moments of blurry vision - another sign you may need extra hydration or targeted dry eye care.
 

Keep Your Vision Clear and Comfortable All Winter

Winter is an ideal time to prioritize your eye health. Conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis can mask or mimic other issues, making professional evaluation essential. Dr. Cao offers comprehensive eye exams in San Gabriel, CA that go beyond standard screenings to evaluate the full health of your eyes - tear quality, corneal surface, inflammation, and more.

If you’re experiencing winter eye irritation, contact Vizen Optometric Center to schedule comprehensive eye exams and get personalized care to keep your eyes comfortable all winter long. Visit our office in San Gabriel, California, or call (626) 667-2700 to book an appointment today.