Cooler temperatures may feel like a relief after a long Arkansas summer — but for many Hot Springs locals, fall and winter bring more than just holiday cheer. If your eyes feel dry, scratchy, or irritated this time of year, you’re not imagining it: cold weather really can affect your eyes.
Hot Springs is known for its natural beauty, warm community, and relaxed lifestyle but the shift in seasons brings environmental changes that can lead to real discomfort. Whether you're bundled up for a hike at Lake Ouachita or walking into Kroger for groceries, those blasts of cold, dry air hit fast, and they dry out your tear film just as quickly.
Why winter is hard on your eyes
When temperatures drop, the air loses humidity. Add in indoor heating systems that crank all day, and you’ve got a perfect storm of dryness. For residents who spend time on screens streaming Razorbacks games, browsing social media, or working from home — this can make matters worse. Less blinking means less natural eye lubrication, and even small gaps in your tear film can cause irritation.
In Hot Springs, where age-related dry eye is already common. Layer on the effects of winter, and symptoms tend to spike between November and February. Women, especially those over 50, face an even higher risk due to hormonal changes that affect tear production.
You might have dry eye if you’re noticing:
- A gritty or stinging sensation
- Redness or burning
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Excess watering (yes, that’s a dry eye symptom too!)
- The constant need to blink or rub your eyes
But rubbing can make it worse — and over-the-counter drops only go so far. That's where the local eye care team at Medical Arts Optical steps in.
Want to learn how we treat dry eye right here in Hot Springs — and what makes winter relief possible for you or a loved one? Let’s dig into the options that bring real comfort.
Real Relief for Dry Eyes, Right Here in Hot Springs
At Medical Arts Optical, dry eye isn’t something we brush off—especially when we see how often it sidelines our patients during the colder months. We know this isn’t just about red eyes or a little itchiness. It’s about enjoying time outdoors, staying focused at work, or driving comfortably after sunset. Dry eye gets in the way of everyday life — but it doesn’t have to.
Personalized treatment, not just another eye drop
Artificial tears can help in a pinch, but they’re not a long-term solution. Many over-the-counter brands contain preservatives that can make things worse over time. That’s why Dr. Long and the team start with a careful evaluation of your symptoms — not just a “quick fix.”
If your eyes aren’t making enough quality tears, or if your glands are blocked, we’ll pinpoint the source with advanced tools like TearLab and InflammaDry — technologies designed to measure inflammation and tear consistency in real-time. These fast, in-office tests help us understand why your eyes are dry and guide us toward the right care.
Options That Fit Your Life and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Depending on what we find in your eye exam, your dry eye treatment might include:
- Heated compress masks for at-home gland relief
- Prescription drops that reduce inflammation and improve tear quality
- Punctal plugs that help tears stay on the eye longer
- LipiFlow® for those with meibomian gland dysfunction (a top cause of dry eye)
These treatments don’t just treat symptoms — they address the underlying problem. And because everything happens right here in Hot Springs, you won’t have to drive to Little Rock or wait weeks for a specialist.
Why local matters—and why we take our time at Medical Arts Optical
As a family-friendly practice serving Hot Springs since 1980, we’re rooted in the community. That means we take our time with patients, listen closely, and never rush care. Our patients range from grandparents managing multiple prescriptions to teens juggling contact lenses and screen time. Every dry eye story is different—and so is the solution.
If winter’s been unkind to your eyes lately, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to wait it out. Relief is real, and it’s available right here.
Request your dry eye evaluation at Medical Arts Optical. We’re ready to help you feel like yourself again.