Eye Care Tips for Winters in Punjab: Dry Eyes, Infections and When to See a Doctor

Punjab winters bring cold dry winds, dense fog, and long hours indoors near heaters and screens — a combination that is genuinely harsh on the eyes. Every winter at Atmos Eye & Retina Centre, we see a significant spike in dry eyes, seasonal infections, allergic conjunctivitis, and worsening vision. Most of these problems are preventable with the right awareness.

1. Dry Eyes: The Most Common Winter Complaint

The eyes need a stable tear film to stay comfortable. In winter, multiple factors disrupt this:

• Cold, dry outdoor air with low humidity
• Indoor heating reducing humidity further
• Increased screen time — blinking frequency drops when using screens, and blink quality worsens in the cold
• Contact lens wear in dry, dusty conditions

Symptoms: Stinging, burning, or gritty sensation; intermittent blurring that clears with blinking; redness; excessive watering (the eye produces reflex tears when the surface is irritated); eye fatigue.

What to Do

• Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) 3–4 times daily — available over the counter
• Use a room humidifier, or place a bowl of water near your heater
• Follow the 20-20-20 screen rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and consciously blink
• Wear wraparound glasses or sunglasses outdoors to shield from cold wind
• If symptoms persist despite lubricating drops, see Dr. Neha — prescription-strength dry eye treatments are available

2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye / "Aankh Aana")

Winter is peak season for respiratory viruses, many of which also cause viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can follow in schools and offices. Symptoms include redness, watering, discharge, and crusting of eyelids on waking. Viral conjunctivitis is extremely contagious.

What to Do

• Wash hands frequently — this is the primary route of spread
• Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye drops with family members
• Cold compresses provide symptomatic relief
• Antibiotic drops are appropriate only for bacterial conjunctivitis — start only after examination, not self-medication
• See a doctor if symptoms worsen, if there is significant eye pain, if vision is affected, or if no improvement after 10 days

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Punjab winters also bring increased air pollution and crop residue burning, raising airborne particulates and allergens. Allergy-prone individuals often experience itchy, watery, red eyes during this period.

• Avoid rubbing the eyes — it worsens the allergic response and risks corneal abrasion
• Cold compresses over closed eyelids provide immediate relief
• Antihistamine eye drops (prescribed) are effective for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
• Switch to glasses on high-symptom days if you wear contact lenses

4. Fog and Night Vision

Punjab winters are notorious for heavy fog, making driving genuinely dangerous — especially for those whose vision is not optimally corrected. Significant difficulty seeing in low light or through fog may indicate an uncorrected refractive error, early cataract, or a retinal condition that worsens in low-light environments. If fog and night driving are becoming a problem, book a comprehensive eye examination rather than assuming it is simply the weather.

When to See Dr. Neha Urgently

• Sudden vision loss or blurring that does not clear with blinking
• Eye pain, not just surface discomfort or grittiness
• Redness with significant light sensitivity
• Discharge that is thick, green, or persistent beyond 10 days
• Any new floaters, flashes, or visual shadows