Dry Eye | Cowichan Eyecare

A person in a green coat and scarf wiping a tear on a coastal trail beside water and forested hills.

Why Do My Eyes Water in Cold Weather?

Key Takeaways Cold air dries the surface of your eyes, so your eyes may flood with tears to protect themselves. Wind, low humidity, indoor heating, and allergens can all make your eyes water more in winter. Watery eyes often connect to dry eye disease, where poor-quality tears evaporate too fast. Wraparound sunglasses, a humidifier, and…

Optometrist in white coat examining a patient's eyes using a slit lamp in a clinical exam room with an eye chart on the wall.

Dry Eye • May 27, 2026

Why Eye Drops Alone Aren’t a Long-Term Solution for Dry Eye

Dealing with dry, burning, and irritated eyes is frustrating, especially when your go-to remedies stop working. A quick drop of artificial tears provides a temporary burst of moisture, but that familiar gritty feeling always manages to return. If you've been doing this on repeat for months, the drops might not be the problem. But they're probably…

Close-up view of irritated bloodshot eye showing redness and inflammation in the sclera.

Dry Eye • January 21, 2026

Signs You Need a Dry Eye Evaluation

Do your eyes often feel scratchy, like there’s a piece of sand stuck in them? You might find yourself blinking more than usual or reaching for eye drops, hoping for relief from a burning feeling that will not go away. This kind of discomfort can make it hard to focus on work, enjoy a good…

An eye is shown before and after meibomian gland restoration. On one side the eye is clear, on the other it is swollen.

Dry Eye • April 3, 2025

Can Meibomian Glands Be Restored?

If you've been experiencing dryness, irritation, or a burning sensation in your eyes, there's a chance your Meibomian glands might need attention. These tiny yet crucial glands are key players in maintaining healthy, comfortable eyes and avoiding conditions like dry eye—but what happens when they stop functioning properly? Luckily, Meibomian glands can often be restored,…

Split screen showing dry eyes on the left and healthy eyes on the right

Dry Eye • September 4, 2024

Can Chronic Dry Eye Cause Floaters?

When it comes to eye health, understanding the nuances can be a bit challenging. Two common issues often discussed are dry eyes and floaters. But can these two be interconnected? Let's explore. What are Dry Eyes? Dry eyes occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead…

young woman smiling and holding contact on right pointer finger.

Dry Eye • May 8, 2024

Are Daily or Monthly Contacts Better for Dry Eyes?

Choosing the right type of contact lenses is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort, especially for individuals with dry eyes. The debate between daily and monthly contacts for those who have dry eye syndrome is ongoing. If you deal with dry eyes, then generally daily contact lenses are the preferred option. Changing your contact…

A woman sitting at a table in front of a laptop, holding her glasses in her right hand while pressing her left hand to her forehead as if in pain.

Dry Eye • January 16, 2024

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

Dry eyes and blurry vision are 2 common eye problems that can significantly impact your daily life. However, these issues may actually be one and the same! Along with stinging and irritation, dry eyes can cause blurry vision, making it difficult to see details. If you’re unsure what’s behind the sudden blurriness, your optometrist can…

Dry Eye • August 3, 2023

How Often Should You Use Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

Eye drops can offer convenient, on-the-go relief from uncomfortable dry eye symptoms. If you are new to eye drops, you may be wondering how often you should be using them. How often you should use eye drops will depend on a range of factors, including the severity of your dry eyes and what type of…

A man inside an office pushing his glasses up to rub his eyes with his fingers.

Dry Eye • April 5, 2023

Can Dry Eyes Cause High Eye Pressure?

Many of us have been there at some point—blurry vision, irritated eyes, and light sensitivity—all while trying to focus and make it through the day. With how uncomfortable dry eye symptoms can get, it's valid to wonder if the condition could lead to a more serious complication like high eye pressure. Fortunately, dry eye is…

A male doctor in a blue and green surgical gown is sitting and his eyes resting on the eyepiece of a laser surgical machine while performing laser eye surgery on his patient.

Dry Eye • September 28, 2022

Does Laser Eye Surgery Cause Dry Eyes?

Laser eye surgery is an excellent option for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on contact lenses and glasses. The first step is finding out if you are compatible with laser eye surgery which involves visiting your optometrist for a comprehensive laser eye surgery consultation. While laser eye surgery is a proven and exciting option…