At Northland Eye Care, we can often see a significant rise in dry eye diseases and symptoms every winter season. Calgary’s climate can sometimes already be quite dry, and when temperatures drop, the greater combination of cold winds, low humidity, and increased indoor heating can tend to create an environment where dry eye becomes much harder to manage and more prevalent. For many patients, winter is the season where burning, redness, and fluctuating vision become daily frustrations. This is where we can help you keep your vision healthy, and eyes keen for the years to come.
Why Tough Winters Make Dry Eyes Worse
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. According to Northland Eye Care, this often happens when the eye’s meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film, are not functioning properly. When this oil layer is weak, tears evaporate rapidly. This is an issue that can be made even worse by Calgary’s tough winter conditions.
Cold winds, extremely low humidity, and indoor heating systems strip moisture from your eyes. Combine that with more screen time during darker months and you have the perfect recipe for discomfort. Patients often report burning, gritty sensations, increased tearing, and blurry vision that fluctuates throughout the day.
How to Manage Dry Eyes During Winter
Below is a quick list summarizing effective ways Calgary patients can reduce winter flare-ups:
- Use a humidifier indoors: Heating systems can dry out indoor air, and restoring moisture helps slow tear evaporation. Turning the heating down slightly could make a considerable difference.
- Blink consciously during screen time: We recognize that extended digital use can often reduce your blink rate, worsening symptoms. Wearing a set of blue light glasses can also reduce the harshness of the screen, thus making it easier on your eyes anyways.
- Wear wind-protective eyewear outdoors: Wraparound glasses or side shields protect the tear film from wind and cold.
- Use artificial tears as recommended: Lubricating drops supplement natural tears when the environment becomes too dry. Be sure to use them in moderation according to a careful schedule.
- Assess meibomian gland function: At Northland Eye Care, we are proud to offer gland imaging and other specialized treatments which can target evaporative dry eye at the source.
When Winter Dryness Requires Professional Support
Even with home strategies, many Calgarians can need clinical intervention during winter. Persistent symptoms like redness, burning, fluctuating vision, and excessive tearing are signs the tear film is unstable or the glands are obstructed. At Northland Eye Care, we have a full dry eye clinic, which can run careful analysis of tear quality, gland imaging, and customized treatment plans to address the underlying cause.
The clinic’s dry eye services include modern options such as IPL therapy, thermal pulsation treatments, and personalized care plans designed to stabilize the tear film over time. These solutions go beyond quick relief: They can work to address the root of the problem, particularly in cases of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which can be one of the most common contributors to winter dryness.
Why Patients Trust Northland Eye Care
Northland Eye Care is a full-scope optometry clinic located in Northland Mall, offering comprehensive vision and eye health services, including dry eye diagnostics and advanced treatments. The clinic emphasizes patient education, modern technology, and tailored care that reflects each individual’s lifestyle and symptoms.
From your first visit, the team takes time to understand your environment, screen habits, contact lens use, and medical history. This holistic approach allows them to uncover the true drivers of your discomfort and deliver meaningful, lasting relief.
Get Ahead of Winter Symptoms Today
Calgary winters don’t have to mean months of irritated, uncomfortable eyes. With a proactive approach and the right professional support, dry eye can be managed effectively, even in our city’s driest, coldest months. With just a few tools and some help, anything is possible.
If you’re struggling with persistent dry eyes, fluctuating vision, or discomfort that worsens with winter weather, contact us today to book a dry eye consultation at Northland Eye Care. We’re here to help you protect your vision and feel comfortable all year-round.