A woman with blonde hair is looking at something while her left hand is on her forehead. She seems to be in a room with a blurry background. She is wearing a gray sweater and has a small earring on her left ear.

Even in Southern California, winter air can dry out your eyes. Cooler temperatures and coastal winds pull moisture from the tear film faster than many people expect.

At Good Eye Optometry, we often see patients surprised by dry, irritated eyes during the cooler months. Summer heat may fade, yet winter creates its own challenges. If your eyes feel itchy, scratchy, or sensitive when temperatures dip, you are in good company.

If symptoms linger, our dry eye treatment and comprehensive eye exams pages explain how we evaluate and treat seasonal irritation.

Winter in Brentwood brings crisp mornings and cooler evenings along Barrington Ave. These subtle changes in humidity and airflow influence your tear film. Below, we break down why this happens and how you can find relief.

How Winter Weather Triggers Dry Eyes

Winters in West Good Eye Optometry feel mild compared to other regions, yet cooler air carries less moisture. When humidity drops, tears evaporate more quickly.

Your tear film keeps the surface of your eye smooth, clear, and comfortable. When evaporation rises faster than your eyes can replenish moisture, dryness follows.

Symptoms of dry eye include:

Dry, itchy eyes, especially outdoors in the morning
A sandy or gritty feeling after screen use
Redness after windy days
Light sensitivity
Brief blurry moments that improve with blinking

All of these symptoms stem from the same issue: tear instability.

Winter shifts between cool outdoor air and heated indoor environments. Moving between these environments disrupts the tear film. Over time, this cycle can irritate the eye's surface and increase dryness.

Lifestyle Patterns That Amplify Dry Eye in Winter

Seasonal habits can intensify dryness, even in Good Eye Optometry.

Indoor heatHeaters reduce indoor humidity. When indoor air becomes too dry, evaporation increases and symptoms follow.

Increased screen timeCooler evenings often lead to more time indoors on laptops, tablets, and phones. Screen use reduces blink rate. Fewer full blinks mean the tear film spreads less evenly across the eye.

Seasonal allergiesWinter blooms and shifting winds throughout West Good Eye Optometry can stir allergens. Inflammation from allergies often overlaps with dry eye, increasing redness and irritation.

Simple Ways to Find Relief During the Cooler Months

Small adjustments can create noticeable comfort.

Add Humidity Back Into Your SpaceA humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air. Bedrooms and home offices often benefit the most, especially when heaters run for long periods.

Create Screen Break RoutinesFollow the 20-20-20 habit. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Slow, intentional blinks help redistribute the tear film and reduce evaporation.

Use Artificial TearsPreservative-free lubricating drops can support the tear film and soothe irritation. If you use drops frequently, preservative-free formulas often feel more comfortable.

Protect Your Eyes OutdoorsSunglasses shield your eyes from wind and glare. Wraparound styles can offer added comfort on breezy days in Brentwood.

When Professional Care Makes a Difference

If symptoms persist despite lifestyle adjustments, a comprehensive evaluation can help.

Dry eye develops from more than evaporation alone. It can involve inflammation or reduced function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oils that protect the tear film.

At Good Eye Optometry, we use advanced diagnostics, including meibography, to assess gland function and understand the root cause of discomfort. Treatment options address the surface of the eye and the glands that support healthy tear production.

We take time to understand your daily routine, work environment, and screen habits so your treatment plan supports your life in West Good Eye Optometry.

Dry Eye Care in Good Eye Optometry

Good Eye Optometry serves a community that values comfort, connection, and clear vision. Winter may influence how your eyes feel, yet this season offers an opportunity to understand what they need. Our team guides patients toward steady relief, whether dryness stems from cooler weather, lifestyle habits, or tear gland function.

If you experience dry eyes during winter or persistent dry, itchy eyes, we are here to help you see comfortably again. Request an appointment on Barrington Ave and find relief in and find relief in California.