As winter approaches, many people notice an uncomfortable, yet familiar, phenomenon: their eyes begin to water more frequently, especially when they step outside into the cold.
While this might seem like a simple reaction to the environment, the causes behind watery eyes in cold weather are more complex than just the chilly air. Your eyes water in cold weather because the cold air dries them out. The body tries to protect your eyes by producing more tears in response to the cold weather.
Understanding how to manage this condition, especially if it’s affecting your comfort or daily activities, is important for your vision clarity. Perspectives Vision Clinic is here to help you; start with an eye exam and let’s work together to find the solution that works best for you!
The Science Behind Watery Eyes in Cold Weather
Our eyes are protected and lubricated by a thin layer of tears produced by the lacrimal glands. These tears keep the eyes moist, wash away dust and debris, and provide nutrients to the eye surface. However, when exposed to cold weather, several factors can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to an overproduction of tears or other eye discomforts.
Dry Air & Tear Production
One of the main culprits behind watery eyes in cold weather is dry air. Cold air is often dry, and in many places, winter is accompanied by heating indoors, which can dry out the air even more. This dry air causes the moisture on the surface of your eyes to evaporate more quickly than usual, resulting in dry eyes.
To compensate for the dryness, your body increases tear production. In fact, your eyes may water in response to this irritation as they attempt to rehydrate themselves. Ironically, excessive tearing can occur because the tear film is disrupted and the eyes are trying to protect themselves from further dehydration. This excessive tearing is what we perceive as watery eyes.
Constricted Blood Vessels in the Cold
Another factor to consider is the way cold temperatures cause blood vessels in the body to constrict. When the air is cold, the body naturally restricts blood flow to the extremities to conserve heat, which is why fingers and toes might feel numb in the chill. This reduction in blood flow can also affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.
In response, the lacrimal glands (the glands that produce tears) may overcompensate by producing more moisture. As a result, your eyes may water even more, trying to restore balance and protect the delicate tissues of the eye.
Wind & Eye Irritation
Cold weather is often accompanied by wind, which can be particularly irritating to the eyes. Wind can cause the tear film to break up more quickly, leading to dry spots on the surface of the eyes. In response, the eyes may produce more tears to try to restore the moisture balance. For individuals already prone to dryness, wind can exacerbate this issue, leading to excessive watering.
The wind also carries with it particles of dust, pollen, and other debris. When these particles come into contact with the surface of the eye, they can cause irritation and discomfort, prompting the eyes to water as a defense mechanism.
Changes in Humidity
During the colder months, especially in areas where people rely on indoor heating, the humidity levels in the air drop significantly. Low humidity means less moisture is present in the air, which directly impacts the moisture levels in your eyes. This can lead to eye irritation and dryness, prompting an increase in tear production to protect the eyes.
If you are in a cold climate but spend time in an indoor environment with high heat (such as in a heated home or office), this shift from cold to dry indoor air can make your eyes more sensitive and prone to watering.
Cold-Induced Conjunctivitis
In some cases, cold weather can also contribute to the development of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye due to common colds and flus being more common in the wintertime. Conjunctivitis causes inflammation in the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. The condition can cause redness, irritation, and excessive watering of the eyes.
Although viral or bacterial infections are common causes of conjunctivitis, the irritation caused by cold weather, combined with wind and dry air, can trigger a mild form of conjunctivitis. This can further exacerbate symptoms of watery eyes and may require medical attention for relief.
Underlying Eye Conditions
For some individuals, underlying eye conditions such as dry eye disease can contribute to watery eyes in cold weather. Dry eye disease occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough moisture to keep the eyes adequately lubricated. Ironically, people with dry eyes often experience increased tearing because their eyes are attempting to compensate for the lack of moisture. When exposed to cold, dry air, the symptoms can become even more pronounced.
Other conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or meibomian gland dysfunction (a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelids) can also contribute to watery eyes during colder weather. These conditions may impair the ability of the eyes to retain moisture, leading to an overproduction of watery tears.
Eye Protection in Cold Weather
To combat the discomfort of watery eyes in cold weather, it’s essential to take measures to protect your eyes from the environmental factors that trigger tearing.
IPL for Dry Eyes
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a treatment for managing dry eye disease, particularly for cases associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
During IPL therapy, pulses of light are directed at the eyelids to reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and stimulate natural oil production. The treatment helps unclog meibomian glands and reduce the bacterial load or Demodex mites that contribute to eyelid inflammation. IPL is non-invasive, relatively quick, and often performed as part of a series of treatments for optimal results. Many patients report significant symptom relief after undergoing IPL therapy.
Other Options for Dry Eye Management
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
- Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses or goggles can help shield your eyes from the wind, dry air, and harmful UV rays, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief from dry eyes by replenishing the moisture in the eye and reducing irritation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your body and eyes hydrated, reducing the chances of dryness.
- Humidify your environment: If you live in an area with dry indoor air, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent your eyes from becoming too dry.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can irritate them further, increasing the likelihood of tearing and discomfort.
Protecting Your Eyes in Cold Weather
In cold weather, the eyes are exposed to a variety of environmental factors that can lead to excessive watering. Dry air, wind, cold temperatures, and low humidity all contribute to eye irritation and the overproduction of tears as the body attempts to protect and lubricate the eyes. Additionally, conditions such as dry eye disease or conjunctivitis may worsen in cold conditions, further exacerbating symptoms.
By understanding the science behind watery eyes in cold weather, you can take proactive steps to manage your eye health. Protecting your eyes with proper eyewear, using lubricating drops, and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can help reduce discomfort and keep your eyes feeling their best throughout the winter months.
For personalized advice on managing eye health in cold weather, consider consulting an eye care professional, such as the team at Perspectives Vision Clinic. Our specialists can offer tailored solutions for individuals experiencing watery eyes, dry eye disease, or other eye-related issues, making sure that your vision remains clear and comfortable no matter the season.
If you’re struggling with watery eyes in cold weather or experiencing any other vision-related concerns, reach out to us at Perspectives Vision Clinic. Our experienced professionals are ready to assist you in maintaining your eye health, offering the best solutions to keep your eyes comfortable and clear.
