Dry Eyes This Winter? How Flagstaff’s Climate Impacts Your Vision

Winter in Flagstaff is beautiful - but it can be brutal on your eyes. Between the cold, dry air and constant wind, many of our patients notice their eyes becoming red, itchy, and irritated as soon as the seasons shift.

At Eye Care Associates, we understand how much climate plays a role in your eye comfort, especially in high-altitude areas like ours. Here’s how Flagstaff’s winter conditions contribute to dry eyes, and what you can do about it.

Why Flagstaff’s Climate Triggers Dry Eye Symptoms

Flagstaff’s winter weather is a mix of low humidity, cold winds, and indoor heating, all of which dry out the tear film that protects your eyes. At nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, our town already has lower moisture in the air, and during the colder months, that gets amplified by:

• Indoor heat systems that strip moisture from the air
• Windy conditions that cause tear evaporation
• Increased screen time indoors, which reduces blinking
• Dehydration from cold-weather habits (like drinking more coffee than water)

All of this creates the perfect storm for dry eye symptoms like:

• A gritty or burning sensation
• Redness or sensitivity
• Watery eyes (ironically, a common sign of dryness)
• Blurred or fluctuating vision

If you live in Flagstaff or nearby areas like Bellemont or Doney Park, and you notice your eyes feeling worse each winter, you're not alone - this is a seasonal issue we treat often.

What You Can Do at Home to Soothe Dry Eyes

While winter in Flagstaff can’t be avoided, there are ways to reduce the effects it has on your eyes. Start with a few small changes at home:

• Use a humidifier: This adds moisture back into the air, especially if you’re running a furnace or space heater.
• Take screen breaks: Use the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, to reduce digital eye strain.
• Drink more water: It’s easy to forget in winter, but hydration plays a key role in tear production.
• Use preservative-free lubricating drops: These provide temporary relief and are safe to use throughout the day.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors: Wind protection helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

These tips are especially helpful during Flagstaff’s windy afternoons and long, dry indoor stretches. But if you’re still experiencing discomfort, it may be time for something more targeted.

Dry Eye Treatment Options That Work for Flagstaff Patients

At Eye Care Associates, we go beyond drops. Our dry eye clinic offers customized dry eye treatments for long-term relief, even during the harshest winter weather. If your eyes constantly feel dry, gritty, or irritated, ask us about:

• TempSure® Envi: This non-invasive radiofrequency treatment stimulates tear production and treats meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the most common causes of dry eye. Bonus: it also helps smooth fine lines around the eyes.
• MiBo Thermoflo therapy: A relaxing, heat-based treatment that loosens oil blockages and restores moisture balance.
• Punctal plugs: Tiny, painless inserts that help your eyes retain more natural tears.
• Customized at-home plans: Including warm compresses, omega-3 supplementation, and eye-safe lifestyle adjustments.

We personalize each dry eye treatment plan based on the root cause of your symptoms—not just the surface irritation.

Flagstaff’s Trusted Partner for Dry Eye Care

At Eye Care Associates, we’ve spent over 30 years helping patients in Flagstaff, AZ see clearly and comfortably, through every season. Our advanced dry eye clinic combines cutting-edge technology with real, local experience.

Whether you need relief from dry winter air or want to explore treatments like TempSure® Envi, we’re here to help your vision thrive—even at 7,000 feet.

Schedule a dry eye appointment to talk to us about treatment and relief in Flagstaff.