American ophthalmologist Michael Brusco from the Brusco Vision clinic explains a common winter eye issue: watery eyes often stem from dehydration of the mucous membranes. This insight is echoed by reports in the Daily Mail, which note that cold air can dry the lining of the eyelids and the surface of the eye, leading to irritation that the eye tries to wash away with extra tears.
In cold weather, the eye’s protective mucosa tends to lose moisture more quickly. The tear film that normally keeps the cornea cushioned and guarded against dust and debris becomes thinner and less stable. When the surroundings are dry and chilly, tear production may not keep pace with evaporation, so the eye signals the brain through nerve impulses behind the eye. The result is an attempted compensatory response that increases tear production, sometimes producing a noticeable tear stream rather than a comfortable, balanced moisture layer.
Beyond environmental factors, there are other contributors to watery eyes in winter. The use of cosmetics around the eyes, facial creams, and moisturizers can clog the tiny meibomian glands at the lids’ margins. When these oil glands are blocked, the tear film cannot spread evenly over the eye, which can provoke irritation and reflex tearing as the eye tries to protect itself. Additionally, many people who spend extended periods in front of computer screens notice that their tear film becomes uneven or thinner, making the eyes more sensitive to the drying effects of cold air and indoor heating. This combination of ocular surface dryness and mechanical irritation can amplify tearing in chilly conditions.
Other historical observations in ophthalmology point to how the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye, responds to environmental stress. Early studies laid the groundwork for understanding how surface moisture, blinking rates, and the distribution of tear components interact to maintain a stable ocular surface. When the eye is exposed to persistent dryness, the protective barrier becomes more fragile, increasing susceptibility to discomfort and tearing. Adequate hydration, regular blinking, and careful protection from wind and direct cold exposure are important considerations for those prone to watery eyes in winter air.
From a practical standpoint, people living in regions with harsh winters can mitigate these effects by adopting simple strategies. Using humidifiers to add moisture to indoor air helps reduce evaporative loss from the tear film. Taking short breaks from screens to encourage regular blinking can improve tear spread across the ocular surface, lessening irritation. When cosmetics are used, opting for non-irritating formulations and ensuring they do not block the meibomian glands can lessen reflex tearing. In some cases, medical advice may be warranted when watery eyes persist, as underlying conditions such as blepharitis or dry eye syndrome can contribute to symptoms even outside of cold weather. This broader perspective aligns with clinical observations and provides a balanced approach to managing winter eye comfort. The takeaway is that winter watery eyes often arise from a combination of environmental dryness and lid margin factors, and addressing both can help restore normal tear function. (Source: Daily Mail)