Winter in Westerville, Ohio, has a way of sneaking up fast. One minute you’re enjoying fall football games and pumpkin patches, and the next you’re cranking up the heat to fight off lake-effect winds and bitter cold. While the change in seasons is a natural part of life in Central Ohio, it presents hidden challenges for kids living with diabetes, particularly when it comes to dry, irritated eyes.
If your child has diabetes, they already face a greater risk for vision complications. Add in the harsh indoor heating, dry outdoor air, and longer hours spent on digital devices during the colder months, and you’ve got a recipe for dry eye discomfort.
Let’s look at why winter can be so tough on diabetic eyes, and what you, as a parent, should keep an eye out for.
Why Dry Eyes Are More Common in Winter
Dry eye syndrome affects people with diabetes more frequently and more intensely than the general population. That’s because diabetes can affect the glands that produce tears, as well as the surface of the eye itself.
In the winter, dry eye symptoms tend to spike, especially in Ohio, where:
- Central heating strips moisture from the air inside homes and schools
- Cold winds sap natural tears from the surface of the eye outdoors
- Less humidity overall means eyes don’t get the hydration they need
- Kids spend more time indoors on screens, which reduces blink rates
Together, these factors make it harder for the eyes to stay properly lubricated. For diabetic children, whose tear production may already be impaired, this leads to discomfort and, in some cases, vision disturbances or eye infections.
Signs Your Child Might Have Dry Eyes
Recognizing dry eye symptoms in children, especially those with diabetes, isn’t always easy. Younger kids may not know how to describe what they’re feeling, and teens might shrug it off as just “itchy eyes”. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Complaints of burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Redness or irritation
- Trouble focusing, especially on screens
- Watery eyes (oddly enough, this can be a sign that the eyes are overcompensating)
If your child is rubbing their eyes more often or avoiding tasks like reading, watching TV, or doing homework on a tablet, dry eye might be the reason.
Winter Eye Care Tips for Diabetic Kids
Helping your child manage dry eyes at home doesn’t have to be complicated. These tips can go a long way toward improving comfort during the cold months:
1. Add a Humidifier at Home
When the heat is on all day in Westerville homes and schools, indoor air becomes bone-dry, which can cause moisture to evaporate from the eyes. A humidifier adds much-needed hydration to the air, helping to soothe dry, irritated eyes.
2. Remind Them to Blink and Take Breaks
Staring at screens causes us to blink less, and for kids with diabetes, that can be a fast track to dry, itchy eyes. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, your child should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3. Make Hydration a Daily Priority
Hydration helps with more than just blood sugar—it also supports healthy tear production. Make sure your child drinks water regularly throughout the day, even in cooler weather when thirst cues aren’t as strong. A well-hydrated body helps maintain healthy eyes.
4. Block the Wind With Protective Eyewear
Cold gusts off Alum Creek or through the playground can cause eyes to sting and water. If your child is spending time outdoors, make sure they wear wraparound sunglasses or sports glasses. It’s a small step that shields sensitive eyes from drying winds and airborne debris.
5. Stay On Top of Eye Appointments
Routine eye exams are crucial, especially in winter when symptoms often worsen. Early detection of dry eye issues, or more serious diabetic complications, means faster relief and fewer disruptions to your child’s learning and play. If it’s been a while since their last visit, now’s the time.
Diabetic Eye Care in Westerville, OH
At The Solution Center, we understand how complex it can be to manage diabetes, especially when eye health is involved. We provide dry eye evaluations and treatments tailored to children with diabetes.
If your child has been rubbing their eyes more than usual or complaining of eye irritation this season, now’s the perfect time to schedule a diabetic eye exam. Our friendly eye doctors will help keep your child’s vision on track all winter long.
Call The Solution Center in Westerville to request an eye care appointment.