Winter in the UK places unique strain on your eyes. Cold air, biting wind, indoor heating and reduced daylight all contribute to eye discomfort — yet winter eye care is often overlooked.
If your eyes feel dry, tired or irritated during the colder months, you’re not alone. In this guide, we explain why eye problems are more common in winter, what symptoms to look for, and how to protect your eyes properly during the colder months.
Why Do Eyes Feel Worse in Winter?
Winter creates a perfect storm for eye discomfort.
Cold air and wind reduce tear stability, while wind accelerates evaporation — a common trigger for dry eye disease.
Indoor heating dramatically dries the air, causing tears to evaporate faster and increasing irritation, redness and fatigue — particularly for people working indoors all day.
Increased screen time during darker evenings also plays a role. We blink significantly less when using digital screens, which can worsen dryness and eye strain.
Low winter sun is another key factor. When the sun sits lower in the sky, glare increases — especially when reflecting off wet roads or frost — making winter sunglasses just as important as summer ones.
Common Winter Eye Symptoms
If you experience any of the following, winter conditions may be contributing:
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Dry, gritty or burning sensation
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Watery eyes (often a response to dryness)
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Redness or irritation
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Headaches or eye fatigue
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Blurred vision when reading or driving
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Increased sensitivity to light
These symptoms are extremely common during UK winters, particularly among people who wear glasses, work on screens or drive regularly.
How to Protect Your Eyes in Winter
Wear Sunglasses — Even in Winter
Many people stop wearing sunglasses once summer ends, but UV rays are present year-round. In winter, sunglasses also play an important role in reducing glare and shielding the eyes from cold wind.
For men, explore winter sunglasses designed for him that reduce glare, protect against UV exposure and improve visual comfort in low winter sun.
For women, discover winter sunglasses designed for her — ideal for protecting your eyes from glare, wind and harsh winter light while maintaining clarity and comfort.
Polarised lenses are particularly effective for winter driving, outdoor walks and everyday wear.
Choose the Right Lenses for Winter Conditions
The right lenses can make a significant difference to comfort and clarity during the colder months. Features such as anti-reflective coatings help reduce glare from headlights and screens, while blue-light filtering lenses can ease digital eye strain caused by increased screen use.
High-contrast lenses also improve visual clarity in dull, low-light winter conditions — ideal for early mornings and darker afternoons.
Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
To help combat winter dryness:
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Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops
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Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
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Avoid sitting directly in front of radiators or heaters
Small changes can significantly improve eye comfort throughout the day.
Ensure Your Glasses Fit Properly
Poorly fitted frames allow cold air to hit the eyes directly, increasing dryness and irritation. A well-fitted frame offers better protection, comfort and visual performance — particularly when spending time outdoors during winter.
Do Glasses Wearers Get More Dry Eyes in Winter?
Dry eyes are more commonly reported by contact lens wearers in winter due to reduced tear stability. Many people choose to wear glasses more frequently during colder months for added comfort, protection and ease — especially when travelling, working long hours on screens or spending time outdoors.
When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
If winter eye symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, it may be time to book a professional eye examination. Ongoing discomfort, headaches, blurred vision or difficulty with night driving are all signs that your vision or lenses may need reviewing.
Regular eye examinations help ensure your prescription is accurate and that your eyewear is suited to seasonal conditions.
Final Thoughts: Winter Eye Care Matters
Your eyes work harder in winter than you may realise. Cold air, heating, glare and screen use all place extra demands on your vision.
With the right eyewear, appropriate lenses and simple daily habits, you can protect your eyes, improve comfort and enjoy clearer vision throughout the winter months.