When winter approaches, you may notice colder temps and windy weather can have an impact on your eyes. From dryness and irritation to more serious concerns like snow blindness, winter weather presents unique challenges for eye health. 

 

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the change in season. Below are some common issues you might face during the colder months, along with simple tips to help keep your vision protected all season long:

 

The problem: Dry eyes

As temperatures drop during the winter months, so does the humidity — leading to drier air and, in turn, drier eyes.¹ Cold winds can further aggravate this issue, often leaving your eyes feeling irritated and uncomfortable. 

 

While it’s only natural to retreat indoors to snuggle up in front of the TV or with your mobile device, increased screen time and the use of indoor heating can actually make dry eye symptoms worse. Additionally, and counterintuitively, when your eyes become too dry, they may overcompensate by producing excess tears, resulting in watery eyes despite the dryness.¹

 

The symptoms²:

• Blurry vision or fluctuating clarity
• Burning 
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye discharge
• Watery eyes or excess tears running down your cheeks

 

What to do about it: 

• Stay hydrated – It’s easy to overlook your water intake when you’re not feeling the heat, but H2O is always important. To stay on track, use a reusable water bottle with time markers to encourage consistent hydration throughout the day.
• Use a humidifier – Counteract the dry climate indoors by adding a humidifier to your space to keep the air, your skin and eyes hydrated.
• Scale back screen time – if you think you’re spending too much time staring at your phone or have had too many movie marathons (who can blame you?), implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain.³

 

 

The problem: Snow blindness and light sensitivity

Even though the summer months are notoriously bright and sunny, the UV light in the winter months still poses a threat to your eyes. Snow blindness, formally known as photokeratitis (fō-tō-ker-ə-tī-tis), can be caused by the sun’s reflection from a variety of surfaces, including snow and ice.³

Snow blindness doesn’t just refer to light sensitivity caused by sun’s glare; it can also involve freezing or extreme dryness of the cornea’s surface due to cold, dry air. Activities like skiing, snowmobiling and mountain climbing can increase your risk as they expose your eyes to intense environmental conditions.³

 

The symptoms³:

• Eye pain – particularly when seeing bright lights 
• Watery eyes
• Headache
• A gritty feeling in your eyes
• Eye swelling
• Seeing halos around bright lights
• Red eyes or eyelids
• Eyelid twitching

 

What to do about it: 

• Apply a cold compress - Experiencing irritation? Remove contact lenses, if applicable, and apply a cold washcloth to help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation caused by snow blindness. This can provide immediate relief, while also supporting the healing process.³
• Wear protective eyewear – Sunglasses aren't just for summer. Choose lenses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays, especially in snowy conditions where sunlight reflects off surfaces and increases exposure. Polarized lenses help reduce glare, improving comfort and visibility whether you're driving or spending time outdoors. Not all sunglasses are polarized, so be sure to check the label. If you wear corrective lenses, consider prescription sunglasses for clear vision or opt for snow goggles with UV protection and glare reduction when hitting the slopes. 
• Artificial tears –Artificial tears may be a helpful solution. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of snow blindness, reach out to your eye doctor to talk with them about options. 

 

No matter the season, give your eyes the attention they deserve by scheduling your annual eye exam with any in-network provider. Find an in-network Surency provider here.

 

 

 

CITATIONS

1. Mason, K.; “How Cold Winter Weather Affects the Eyes”; University of Colorado Anschutz; news.cuanschutz.edu; January 9, 2024.

2. Cleveland Clinic; “Dry Eyes”; my.clevelandclinic.org; June, 20, 2025.

3. Huffman, J.; “What is Photokeratitis — Including Snow Blindness”; American Academy of Ophthalmology; aao.org; September 26, 2024.