Winter brings cosy evenings, warm drinks — and, for many of us, a few unexpected eye and ear problems. Cold air, strong winds and indoor heating can all affect how comfortable we feel day to day. The good news? A few small habits can make a big difference. Here’s how to protect your eyes and ears this winter and keep your family feeling their best.

1. Dry Eyes: Why They Get Worse in Winter

Cold, windy weather causes your natural tear film to evaporate faster, which can leave your eyes feeling dry, gritty or watery.

Common winter triggers:

• Strong winds outdoors

• Central heating indoors

• Long hours on screens when it gets dark earlier

• Dry, cold air that pulls moisture away from the eyes

What helps:

 ✔ Use hydrating eye drops when needed

 ✔ Wear wraparound glasses or sunglasses on windy days

 ✔ Take regular screen breaks (20 seconds every 20 minutes)

 ✔ Run a humidifier to add moisture to heated rooms

Family tip: Kids often rub their eyes more in winter. Keep eye drops and tissues on hand and make sure they take breaks from screens.

2. Wind Exposure & Changing Light Levels

When the wind is sharp, your eyes work harder to stay comfortable — increasing sensitivity and watering.

Protect your eyes by:

 ✔ Wearing glasses, sunglasses or a winter hat with a brim

 ✔ Choosing lenses with UV protection (yes, even in winter — UV rays still reach your eyes)

✔ Using anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from low sun and wet roads

Shorter daylight hours can also make eyes feel strained. Good indoor lighting and reducing harsh blue light from screens can help ease discomfort for both children and adults.

3. Indoor Heating: Warm Rooms, Dry Eyes

Central heating dries the air, which can make eyes feel irritated and tired — especially in the evenings.

Try:

✔ Keeping heaters on a lower, steady setting

✔ Sitting away from direct heat

✔ Using a warm compress at the end of the day to soothe the eyes

4. Winter Ear Issues: Why They Flare Up

Cold weather doesn’t just affect your eyes — your ears can also become more sensitive.

Blocked or Congested Ears

Cold air can make earwax harder and drier, increasing the chance of blockages.
Solution:
Use ear-safe softening drops if recommended and never insert cotton buds.

More Susceptible to Infections

Winter viruses, combined with cold air entering the ear canal, can increase the risk of ear infections — especially in children.

Look out for:

• Earache

• Fullness or pressure in the ear

• Temporary hearing dips

• Irritability in younger children

Sound Sensitivity in Winter

Cold temperatures can tighten ear muscles, making loud sounds feel sharper or more uncomfortable.

Protection tips:

✔ Wear a soft hat or ear warmers outdoors

✔ Avoid sudden exposure to loud noises

✔ If sound sensitivity becomes frequent, book a hearing check

5. Family-Friendly Winter Care Tips

	Keep a “winter wellness kit” with tissues, eye drops, wipes and a small bottle of hand gel.
	Encourage kids to wear hats and scarves that cover the ears.
	Make sure adults using hearing aids keep them dry — condensation can affect sound quality.
	Remind teens and adults to take screen breaks, especially in the darker months.

Book your winter eye or hearing check — our team is here to keep your family comfortable and protected all season long.