Why do my eyes water more in winter?

The vast majority of Italians notice in the winter months that in winter the eyes water more; according to the specialists of www.clinicabaviera.it, one of the leading companies in Europe in the ophthalmology sector, this happens because the eyes are exposed to lower temperatures which can cause dryness and cause them to lose moisture. When the tear film dries, the eye is led to secrete as a defense mechanism: it produces more tears to hydrate itself, even resulting in constant tearing which can be very annoying. Furthermore, these tears can be of poor quality, also resulting in dry eyes.

In winter, eyes water more

The reasons for this phenomenon are directly linked to low temperatures, wind and low humidity in the rooms due to the use of heaters, all conditions that occur very frequently at this time of year. These factors can irritate the eyes and trigger a natural response with tearing. But there may also be other causes that do not depend exclusively on the winter climate. For this reason, the experts at Clinica Baviera wanted to analyze in detail the reasons for excessive tearing in recent months:

Cold

Cold is the main cause of intense tearing in winter. When temperatures drop, the eyes dry out and the lacrimal glands produce more tears. Additionally, cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which affects blood flow and contributes to feelings of dryness, which also causes watery eyes.

Low humidity

The use of internal heating in homes and offices causes a decrease in humidity and makes the environments drier, with consequent discomfort for the eyes. When the air is dry, moisture on the surface of the eye can evaporate more quickly, causing dry eyes, irritation, itching, redness, swelling and increased tearing.

Vento

Wind is one of the other main causes of tearing. It causes an increase in the rate at which moisture evaporates from the surface of the eye, resulting in dryness and the stimulation of more tears. Wind also carries particles that can get into your eyes and irritate them.

Allergies

Allergies are often associated with the spring months, but even in winter there are many that can cause watery eyes:

– Dust mites, which are microorganisms found in the home. Spending a lot of time indoors in the winter can increase exposure to these allergens and trigger allergic reactions to the eyes, such as watery eyes.

– Mold is another common allergen that can thrive in damp places like basements and bathrooms. Mold spores can be released into the air and cause allergic symptoms.

– Some trees, such as cupressaceae, of which the best known is the cypress. Pollination begins in December and reaches its maximum levels between January and February, so people allergic to this type of pollen may suffer from itchy and watery eyes.

– Pet allergies can cause the same symptoms, but increase the risk in winter, as exposure to pet dander and dander is greater if you spend more time indoors.

Contact lenses

The use of contact lenses can cause irritation on the surface of the eye if they are not properly sanitized. Sometimes a sensitivity to cleaning solutions develops, which causes watery eyes, and prolonged contact lens use can also cause dryness and irritation.

Particles in the eye

The presence of foreign bodies in the eyes, such as grains of dust, sand, makeup or even insects, can irritate the eyes and cause them to react by producing more tears in an attempt to get them clean again.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and the symptoms, in addition to itching, can include redness, sensitivity to light and watery eyes.

Tiredness and eye strain

Tiredness and eye strain can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain and itching. Additionally, after doing activities that require prolonged visual concentration, such as reading, writing, or working on a computer, your eyes may become watery and irritated.

Doctor Federico Fiorini, medical director of Clinica Baviera Bologna explains: “The year has just begun and the low temperatures of this period are already evident; the cold, the wind and the low humidity caused by heating in closed environments cause dry eyes and excessive tearing. From Clinica Baviera we invite everyone to follow these few tips so that the eyes do not become irritated and there is no excessive tearing.”

READ ALSO: How to protect your eyes from snow reflections

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2024-01-26 14:35:22
#eyes #water #winter