Snow, Wind & Winter Dry Eye: Scleral Lenses for Holiday Getaways

Winter travel has a certain cinematic charm—snow-dusted landscapes, brisk mountain air, and cozy getaways that feel just a little more indulgent than the rest of the year. Yet for many, these picturesque moments are accompanied by an unwelcome companion: dry, irritated eyes. At OC Optometry Group, we often remind patients that winter may be magical, but it is rarely gentle on the ocular surface.

Between cold wind, low humidity, indoor heating, and extended travel, winter creates the perfect storm for dry eye disease. Fortunately, modern optometry offers an elegant solution designed not just to correct vision, but to protect and restore comfort: scleral lenses.

Why Winter Worsens Dry Eye

Cold air holds less moisture, and winter winds accelerate tear evaporation. Add long flights, heated hotel rooms, and hours spent outdoors, and even mild dry eye symptoms can escalate quickly. Burning, redness, fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity are common complaints—especially during holiday travel when comfort matters most.

Traditional soft contact lenses may worsen symptoms, and glasses offer little defense against environmental exposure. Scleral lenses, however, change the conversation entirely.

What Makes Scleral Lenses Different

Unlike standard contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). This design creates a reservoir of preservative-free saline that continuously bathes the cornea throughout the day.

The result? A stable, hydrated ocular surface protected from wind, cold, and dry environments—precisely what winter demands.

The Perfect Travel Companion

For holiday getaways, scleral lenses offer a rare combination of comfort, clarity, and reliability. They remain stable during outdoor activities, resist drying in low-humidity settings, and provide consistently sharp vision—even after long days of sightseeing or winter sports.

Patients often tell us they forget they’re wearing lenses at all, which may be the highest compliment of all.

Beyond Comfort: Vision Benefits

In addition to relieving dry eye symptoms, scleral lenses are renowned for their visual precision. They’re particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneas, post-surgical eyes, or those who experience fluctuating vision due to dryness.

Winter glare from snow and ice demands excellent visual contrast. Scleral lenses help maintain optical stability, making holiday adventures safer and more enjoyable.

Designed for Those Who Refuse to Sit Still

Scleral lenses appeal to travelers who value both comfort and performance—whether you’re strolling through a festive city, exploring snowy trails, or relaxing fireside after a day outdoors. They offer freedom from constant blinking, rewetting drops, and discomfort that can distract from the moment.

A Thoughtful Investment in Eye Health

While scleral lenses require customization and professional fitting, their benefits extend well beyond winter. Many patients continue wearing them year-round, appreciating the daily comfort and visual consistency they provide.

At OC Optometry Group, we take a meticulous approach to scleral lens fitting, using advanced imaging to ensure each lens is tailored precisely to your eyes.

See the Season Clearly

Winter travel should be memorable for all the right reasons—not for irritated eyes or compromised vision. If snow, wind, and dry air have dampened your holiday plans in the past, scleral lenses may offer the clarity and comfort you’ve been missing.

Schedule a scleral lens consultation with OC Optometry Group today and experience winter travel with eyes as refreshed as your destination.

Author

Alejandro Gallego Having joined us in 2025, Alejandro has quickly shown his adaptability and commitment. Knowing the importance of our practice as he has had several years of experience in other healthcare areas. Efforts to excellence are evident from day one. We’re excited to support him as he continues to grow within our organization.