Dry, irritated eyes are common in the winter months. While Honolulu doesn’t experience frigid temperatures, the cooler, drier air combined with increased indoor heating can still trigger dry eye symptoms. Many patients notice more frequent burning, redness, and discomfort this time of year, making it essential to manage symptoms early.
Below, our Honolulu eye care team at Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic discusses how winter impacts your eyes, making them unusually dry and uncomfortable, and what we can do to help.
Why Winter May Make Dry Eye Symptoms Worse
Even in Hawaii, seasonal changes can impact eye health. Cooler temperatures, reduced humidity, and prolonged indoor time with air conditioning or fans can all lend to making your eyes feel drier and less comfortable. Some contributing factors include:
- Lower Humidity: Even slight dips in humidity can lead to quicker tear evaporation.
- Increased Screen Time: Many people spend more time indoors during cooler months, increasing exposure to screens that reduce blinking and tear production.
- Wind & Outdoor Irritants: Dry or windy conditions can exacerbate eye irritation, especially for contact lens wearers.
Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluations in Honolulu
At Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic, we take a personalized approach to dry eye management by performing comprehensive evaluations to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to measure tear production, assess tear film stability, and identify any underlying inflammation or gland dysfunction. By carefully analyzing these factors, we can customize a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Our goal is to not only relieve your immediate symptoms but also to address the underlying causes, providing long-term relief and better eye health.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments
We utilize cutting-edge technology to treat dry eye effectively, including:
- Specialty Eye Drops & Medications: Prescription-strength drops provide lasting hydration and reduce inflammation.
- Scleral Lenses: These custom-designed lenses create a protective moisture barrier over the eye’s surface, offering relief for moderate to severe dry eye.
- Tear Conservation Techniques: Options such as punctal plugs help retain natural tears for better hydration.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Dry Eye Relief
Beyond medical treatments, simple changes can improve dry eye symptoms during winter:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall moisture balance.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air can prevent excessive dryness.
- Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
Find Lasting Dry Eye Relief
If you’re struggling with dry eye this winter, our team at Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic is here to help. With advanced technology and personalized care, we’ll find the best solution to keep your eyes comfortable year-round. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward relief!