Arid winter weather coupled with indoor heating means the colder months are prime time for dry, itchy, red eyes. But there’s no need to power through the coming months in discomfort! Here, the eye doctors of The Whitefish Eye Center in Flathead County, Montana, provide some suggestions for maintaining your ocular comfort all winter long.

Ward off Dry Eyes With This Eye Doctor’s 5 Tips

1. Beware Heat

If your dry eyes bother you primarily indoors, your heating may be to blame; hot air can cause your tear film to evaporate. Try using a humidifier in your home and, when driving, don’t blast the vents at face level.

2. Trust in Eye Drops

Artificial lubricants can be used to keep eyes moist. Most drops are okay for use up to four times per day, but if this isn’t enough relief for you, consider using preservative-free tears, which can be used as often as needed.

3. Indulge in Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like avocados and salmon. You can also get them via a fish oil supplement. This improves gland health and can make for a stronger tear film. Ask a doctor for a trustworthy brand.

4. Trash Old Makeup

Outdated makeup can cause irritation and exacerbate dry eyes. It can even lead to eye infections. Check the dates of your makeup and be sure to trash it when it’s beyond use. According to these FDA guidelines on eye cosmetic safety, mascara is best discarded two to four months after purchase.

5. See An Eye Doctor

If the above tips don’t help, make an appointment with a vision care specialist. Left untreated, dry eyes can progress to dry eye syndrome or disease. If there is an underlying cause to your discomfort, your doctor can also pinpoint this, ensuring you get the prompt and reliable treatment you need.

For top-quality eye care in Flathead County, MT, look to Whitefish Eye Center. They have been providing compassionate, comprehensive services from optometry exams to laser surgery co-management for more than 40 years. They serve patients of all ages, and you can get to know their eye doctors online. Make an appointment to stop by and meet the team in person by calling (406) 862-2020.