Dry eyes and cold weather go hand in hand in Hot Springs. Here's how to protect your eyes and find dry eye relief this winter — right from your own home.
It’s no secret that winters in Hot Springs bring a dry chill that’s tough on the skin — but your eyes feel it too. When indoor heaters crank up and outdoor air loses moisture, your eyes can quickly start to feel itchy, red, and sensitive. That familiar burning or gritty sensation isn't just uncomfortable. It's often a sign of dry eye, a common condition that gets worse in colder months.
The colder it gets, the less moisture stays in the air. Add in dry heat from furnaces and the extra time we spend in front of screens during the winter, and your eyes don’t stand a chance unless you take some proactive steps. At Medical Arts Optical, we help patients across Hot Springs and nearby communities stay ahead of the discomfort. And for mild to moderate dry eye, there are several ways to manage it from the comfort of your home.
Home Remedies That Really Work for Winter Dry Eye
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for dry eye, but small changes at home can make a big difference. Try these at-home strategies to reduce dryness and irritation:
- Use a humidifier in rooms where you spend the most time, especially your bedroom and living room. Moist air helps protect your tear film from evaporating too fast.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps your body produce healthier tears.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when on screens: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Apply warm compresses to your eyes to help unclog oil glands and support tear stability.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly — especially before going out in cold, windy air.
- Wear wraparound glasses or sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from dry wind and cold air.
Signs You Need Professional Dry Eye Treatment
Sometimes, home remedies can only go so far. If you’re using drops constantly, avoiding wind and screens, and still dealing with dryness, it’s time to get a professional opinion. Persistent dry eye can point to a deeper issue, like meibomian gland dysfunction, tear quality problems, or an underlying health condition.
At Medical Arts Optical, we don't just treat symptoms — we find the cause. Our comprehensive dry eye evaluations help us understand what’s really going on with your tear production and quality. From there, we create a plan that fits your lifestyle and comfort level. That might include in-office treatments, medicated drops, changes to your contact lenses, or recommendations for managing environmental triggers at home.
We also take into account Hot Springs' unique climate and seasonal shifts. Arkansas weather may not always be extreme, but the dry indoor air and sudden temperature drops can still affect eye comfort more than most people realize. That’s why so many of our patients come in during winter months for support.
Dry Eye Relief in Hot Springs Starts with a Conversation
If you’ve been waking up with sore eyes, noticing blurry vision that improves with blinking, or reaching for eye drops all day long, it’s time to act. Dry eye can make daily tasks harder, but it doesn’t have to.
At Medical Arts Optical, we’ve been helping Hot Springs families feel and see better since 1980. Whether you need guidance on at-home care or a full dry eye treatment plan, we’re here to help you find relief that lasts all year long.
Schedule your eye exam at our practice in Hot Springs and we’ll help you see and feel better, no matter the weather.