Cold, dry weather can, in turn, cause dry, itchy eyesThat’s why you might experience these uncomfortable symptoms this fall and winter. In addition to dryness and itching, winter dry eyes can also cause redness, burning or stinging, sensitivity to light, foreign body sensation, eye fatigue and more. Fortunately, there are home remedies you can use to relieve dry, itchy eyes.

If the problem persists or you have any eye-related concerns or questions, be sure to contact your eye doctor to schedule an appointment. eye exam.

Why are my eyes dry and itchy?

You may experience dry or itchy eyes for several reasons. This can be frustrating, but it can also be a serious health problem that you need to address. You may have dry, itchy eyes for any of the following reasons:

• Allergies
• Contact lens problems
• Eye infection
• Pink eye
• An eye irritant
• Chronic dry eye

All of these problems can become serious if left untreated for a prolonged period of time, as they could potentially damage your eyes.

Common Symptoms of Dry, Itchy Eyes

Besides dryness and itching, other dry eye symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Burning
• Mucus-like substance around the eyes

How to treat dry eyes

Many causes of dry and itchy eyes can be managed at home. Here’s what you can try.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated helps keep your wet eyes and produce healthy tears. According to the Mayo Clinicmen should consume 15.5 cups of water per day; women, 11.5 cups. Keep in mind that these recommendations also include water from foods consumed.

Use a humidifier

Your eyes can dry out when the air around you is too dry. Use a humidifier in your home I can add some moisture returns to the airwhich can help relieve some of the dryness you feel in your eyes. This can be especially helpful during colder months when the air is drier.

Consume omega-3 fatty acids

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids could help relieve dry eyes. You can get omega-3 from supplements or foods like salmon or tuna. It is thought that omega-3s can reduce the inflammation your eyes may have. Inflammation may be linked to dryness and itching, and research suggests that reducing inflammation can, in turn, reduce itching.

Wash your eyelashes

It is always important to wash your eyelashes gently, as they are quite close to your eyes and can cause damage if you are not careful. If you get eyelash extensions or use false eyelashes, you are even more likely to have eye problems because those eyelashes could carry dirt or bacteria into your eyes. The research linked eyelash extensions to eye conditions like dry eye, so be sure to keep your eyelashes and the surrounding area clean.

Blink your eyes quickly

Blinking quickly can do several things for your eyes. On the one hand, it can help clear debris from your eyes if that’s the cause of the problems. Blinking your eyes also encourages your tears to moisten your eyes. When exposed to air, your eyes naturally dry out, but blinking brings the moisture back and washes away anything unwanted.

Try a hot or cold compress

Placing a warm compress on your eyes may help relieve irritation. According to Harvard Healtha warm compress encourages your tear ducts to get to work producing tears. On the other hand, a cool compress can soothe any inflammation or irritation you feel.

Use eye drops or medication

Relying on medication is always an option if you experience a lot of dryness and itching. Over-the-counter eye drops can help moisturize your eyes, target redness and relieve itching. If you see a doctor, you may also be able to get a prescription medication that promotes tears. Your doctor might suggest targeting the root cause (like allergies).

Learn more: 10 Things You Should Do Daily to Protect Your Eye Health

What not to do

There are certain things you can avoid doing, as they will only exacerbate your dry eyes. Try to stay away from the following:

• Rubbing your eyes
• Let the air blow directly into your eyes
• Smoking
• High altitudes
• Places with dry air, such as deserts or airplanes
• Wearing contact lenses too long

When to see an ophthalmologist

If dry, itchy eyes lead to more intense symptoms like nausea, swelling, or vision loss, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Dry eye can be manageable at home, but once it starts affecting other parts of your body, it’s a sign of a more serious problem. If your vision has changed due to itching (double vision, spots in your vision, etc.), this is particularly concerning and you should seek medical attention immediately.