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'Dry Eye' Syndrome Can Worsen in the Winter (1/15) BY MERRITT McKINNEY c.1998 Medical Tribune News Service Cold, windy weather may aggravate symptoms of an irritating eye condition, according to a Texas eye doctor. During the winter, people with dry eye syndrome often experience an increase in symptoms, such as burning eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and a gritty feeling in the eyes, said Dr. H. Dwight Cavanagh. Several other factors also may cause an increase in dry eye symptoms, said Cavanagh, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "Blasts of air from hair dryers, furnaces and car heaters...also can make symptoms worse," he said. "If you have to blow-dry your hair or have a constant stream of wind or air blowing at your eyes, it's recommended that you blink frequently or, if possible, keep your eyes closed." Cavanagh also advises people with dry eyes to have their eyes examined by an eye doctor, who can determine an appropriate treatment. The source of dry eye syndrome is usually either insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, he said. Judith Richards [log in to unmask]