Winter Isn’t Just Hard on Your Skin; It’s Tough on Your Eyes, Too
When temperatures drop, your eyes can feel the effects just as much as your skin. Between cold winds, indoor heating, and UV reflection off snow, winter presents a perfect storm of challenges for your eye health. It’s not just discomfort, prolonged dryness or unprotected UV exposure can lead to more serious conditions over time.
At Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary, we see a noticeable rise in patients reporting dry, irritated, or fatigued eyes during the winter months. Whether you’re spending more time indoors or heading outside to enjoy the snow, your eyes need seasonal support. Fortunately, with the right care and protection, you can stay comfortable and prevent long-term damage, even during Calgary’s coldest days.
How Winter Affects Your Eyes, and What to Do About It
1. Dry Air Leads to Dry Eyes
Indoor heating systems reduce humidity, which dries out the tear film that protects your eyes. Outdoor cold and wind can make it worse, stripping moisture and leaving your eyes feeling gritty, itchy, or burning.
What to do when experiencing dry eye:
- Use a humidifier at home or at work
- Avoid sitting near vents or space heaters
- Use preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day
- Book a dry eye assessment at Market Mall Optometry to explore tailored treatment options
We’ll assess your tear quality and offer personalized solutions, from in-office therapies to prescription drops, to help restore moisture and comfort.
2. Winter UV Rays Are Stronger Than You Think
Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, making sun exposure a real threat even on overcast days. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to photokeratitis (a sunburn of the eye), long-term damage to the cornea, and increased risk of cataracts.
What to do:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses—even on cloudy days
- Consider polarized lenses for better glare reduction
- Use wraparound styles to block wind and reflected light
At Market Mall Optometry, we offer a variety of sunglasses and winter-specific eyewear to protect your eyes while keeping you comfortable on the slopes or sidewalks.
3. Contact Lenses May Feel Less Comfortable in Winter
Cold air and dry heat can make contact lenses feel scratchy or unstable, especially after long hours on screens or outdoors.
What to do:
- Switch to daily disposables for better hydration
- Use rewetting drops approved for contacts
- Take screen breaks and blink more often
- Book a fit check or dry eye consult if your lenses are bothering you
Our NW Calgary optometrists can recommend lenses specifically designed for winter dryness and offer comfort-boosting solutions that fit your lifestyle.
4. Increased Sensitivity and Eye Fatigue
Glare from snow, low winter sun angles, and dim indoor lighting can all increase eye strain—especially if you work on screens all day.
What to do:
- Adjust screen brightness and contrast
- Wear anti-reflective lenses or blue light coatings
- Use proper task lighting
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
Ask our team about computer lenses and visual comfort strategies for dry eye and other symptoms during your winter eye exam.
Protect Your Eyes This Winter—We’re Here to Help
Winter may be beautiful in Calgary, but it can also be tough on your eyes. Whether you're struggling with dryness, light sensitivity, or contact lens discomfort, the right support can make all the difference. At Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary, we offer dry eye treatments, seasonal eyewear solutions, and expert guidance tailored to winter conditions.
Contact us today to book your winter eye exam and take care of your eyes—no matter how cold it gets outside.
