What causes dry eyes in winter, and how can it be relieved?

Generally, dry and irritated eyes during winter may be caused by factors such as dry environments, indoor heating irritation, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, or vitamin A deficiency. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general care, medication, and other methods. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Dry environment: In winter, low humidity causes faster evaporation of tears, leading to moisture loss on the eye surface and resulting in dryness. Wearing windproof goggles when outdoors and using a humidifier indoors to maintain humidity between 40%–60% can help reduce excessive tear evaporation.

2. Indoor heating irritation: Prolonged exposure to heated indoor air can accelerate moisture loss from the eye surface, worsening eye dryness. Open windows for ventilation every 1–2 hours, avoid directing heater airflow straight at the eyes, and place a bowl of water near the heater to increase humidity.

3. Dry eye syndrome: Winter environmental conditions may trigger or exacerbate dry eye syndrome, where insufficient or poor-quality tear production leads to dry, gritty sensations in the eyes. Follow medical advice to use eye drops such as sodium hyaluronate, polyethylene glycol, or carboxymethylcellulose sodium to relieve discomfort.

4. Blepharitis: In winter, reduced oil secretion from the eyelids makes the eyelid margins more susceptible to bacterial infection and inflammation, which affects tear quality. Apply warm compresses with a clean towel to the eyelids for 10 minutes daily, and use medications such as tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment, levofloxacin eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment as directed by a physician.

5. Vitamin A deficiency: Reduced intake of fresh fruits and vegetables in winter may lead to inadequate vitamin A, causing dryness of the ocular mucous membranes. Increase consumption of vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots and spinach, and take nutritional supplements like vitamin A softgel capsules, cod liver oil emulsion, or vitamin AD drops as prescribed.

Maintain good eye hygiene in daily life: avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, limit screen time on electronic devices, wash hands immediately after returning from outside, and prevent bacterial contact with the eyes. Comprehensive eye care helps protect eye health during winter.