Winter in Flagstaff can be beautiful - but it can also be tough on your eyes. Cold temperatures, dry air, and indoor heating can all strip away moisture from the tear film that protects your eyes. Our eye doctor in Flagstaff, AZ is here to help you understand why this happens and what you can do to protect your eye comfort and vision.

Why Winter Worsens Dry Eyes

Several seasonal factors can contribute to winter dry eye symptoms, including:

• Lower humidity: Cold outdoor air holds less moisture.

• Indoor heating: Furnaces and heaters dry out the air in your home and workplace.

• Wind and outdoor exposure: Wind quickly evaporates the tear film.

• Reduced blinking: We tend to blink less when using digital devices, making dryness worse.

For many people, these elements combine to trigger or worsen chronic dry eye disease.

Helpful Tips to Keep Eyes Moisturized This Winter

Here are simple ways to support better hydration and eye comfort:

• Use a Humidifier: Restoring moisture to indoor spaces helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports tear production and overall eye health.

• Take Breaks from Screens. Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to promote normal blinking.

• Choose Protective Eyewear Outdoors: Wraparound sunglasses or goggles help shield your eyes from cold wind and UV rays.

• Apply Warm Compresses: Warm compresses can improve oil gland function, helping stabilize your tear film.

• Consider Doctor-Recommended Eye Drops: Preservative-free artificial tears offer temporary relief and can be used multiple times a day.

If your symptoms persist even with these strategies, it may be time to consider advanced solutions.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Options

At Highline Eye Care & Optical, we offer cutting-edge dry eye treatment in Flagstaff tailored to your specific needs. One of our most effective therapies is TempSure Envi in Flagstaff - a gentle radiofrequency treatment designed to:

• Unclog blocked meibomian (oil) glands

• Improve tear film stability

• Reduce inflammation

• Address the root cause of evaporative dry eye

Treatments are comfortable, quick, and offer lasting relief so you can enjoy your winter activities without irritation.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Winter doesn’t have to mean months of gritty, irritated eyes. With the right strategies and professional care, you can stay comfortable no matter how cold or dry the weather gets. If you're experiencing persistent discomfort, an evaluation with our eye doctors in Flagstaff, AZ can help uncover what’s causing your symptoms and the most effective way to treat them.

Contact Highline Eye Care & Optical to schedule a consultation and learn more about dry eye treatments. Visit our office in Flagstaff, Arizona, or call (928) 240-9214 to book an appointment today.