Cold months: Tips to reduce the impact of dry eye
With the arrival of cold weather, low temperatures, wind, and the regular use of heating during these months, eye health can be affected, so it is important not to let your guard down.
Specialists at Miranza warn of an increase in dry eye syndrome symptoms, the leading reason for visits to the ophthalmologist. This is a multifactorial, complex, and chronic disease that affects the ocular surface, causing discomfort, visual problems, and, in some cases, damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
“Dry eye doesn’t just mean that the eye produces little tear fluid; the tears can be of poor quality and cause chronic inflammation. It is an increasingly common condition that affects visual comfort, quality of life, and, in some cases, even vision”, explains Víctor Tejerina, optometrist specializing in dry eye at IMO Grupo Miranza Madrid.
Cold, wind, and heating: A harmful combination
During the cold months, dry air and wind currents accelerate the evaporation of the tear film, weakening the eye’s natural defenses. Additionally, prolonged screen use and constant exposure to heating reduce blink frequency, worsening dry eye.
“Cold and heated environments dry out the air significantly. This causes people prone to dry eye to notice a worsening of their symptoms, and those who already suffer from it to experience it more intensely. It is essential to maintain good humidity levels, not just control the temperature. In very dry spaces, such as offices, using humidifiers can make a difference”, adds Tejerina.
The IMO Grupo Miranza Madrid specialist also warns about the impact of winter activities: “At this time of year, it is very common to practice sports like skiing. It is important to protect the eyes from cold and ultraviolet radiation, as extreme exposure can cause inflammation and worsen dry eye syndrome. Eye protection is often overlooked, but just as you protect your skin, the cornea can also suffer burns or discomfort if appropriate eyewear is not used”.
Symptoms and consequences
The impact of dry eye is not limited to the discomfort of symptoms such as itching, gritty sensation, burning, redness, or blurred vision. It can also affect the ability to work, drive, read, or play sports, and in severe cases, lead to corneal inflammation or recurrent infections.
The condition is especially common in women, and its prevalence increases with age. According to Miranza data, about half of women over 60 experience dry eye symptoms. However, experts warn of a rise in cases among younger people, linked to intensive screen use, environmental pollution, certain medications, or prolonged contact lens wear.
A Growing Problem
The V Barómetro de Salud y Bienestar Ocular de Miranza confirms that dry eye is an increasingly prevalent condition in Spain and that less than half of those affected receive specific treatment. This reinforces the need for early diagnosis, which allows treatment to be tailored to each patient and prevents long-term complications.
The report also highlights a lack of awareness about dry eye. Many people mistake it for simple temporary irritation, delaying diagnosis and potentially worsening symptoms.
Treatment for dry eye goes far beyond the use of artificial tears. Miranza clinics offer different solutions in consultation: Thermal Pulsation (Lipiflow), which involves the localized application of heat and therapeutic pressure to all four eyelids (upper and lower) to improve the drainage of the Meibomian glands; and Optima IPL, based on the use of pulsed light at the eyelid and periocular level after applying a cold gel.
Additionally, Miranza provides other treatments such as plasma-rich growth factor eye drops (PRGF Eye Drops), based on regenerative medicine; eyelid microexfoliation (Microblepharoexfoliation), which removes accumulated bacteria and oils from the eyelid margin; and punctal plugs, which reduce tear drainage.
