Is the colder weather making your eyes more watery? We have been pretty lucky for the most part this September, enjoying sunny days, and only slightly cooler temperatures. But, as the temperature dips lower many of our patients experience watery eyes, especially those that do outdoor activities like run or bike. If this sounds like you, you need to read this week’s blog post all about watery eyes and what you can do about them. We hope you enjoy it!
Why Do I Get Watery Eyes When It’s Cold?
Why does this happen? An easy answer – lubrication! Something your eyes cannot function without. Your eyes will try to overcome environmental factors like wind, which can affect the amount of lubrication, causing eye irritation or dryness. In response, your eye will simply produce more tears. This is your eyes way of ensuring they are properly lubricated and therefore function properly.
Tips For Combatting Cold Weather
What can you do to help teary eyes in this cooler weather? Dr. Sharma recommends that as a first line of defense, patients wear goggles or sunglasses to help protect the eyes from colder temperatures. If you wear contacts, opt to wear glasses if your watery eyes are particularly bothersome. Additionally, lubricating eye drops, as well as hot compresses, may be used to alleviate excessively watery eyes.
Although the weather is not something any of us can control, there are steps that you can take to help reduce eye discomfort due to cooler temperatures.
Do you need to see a local Victoria, BC eye doctor? Book an appointment with Dr. Sharma by giving our office a call or easily book online!
We are your family eye care center.