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Why Your Eyes Tear Up More During Winter in the UAE

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06/01/2026

When winter comes to the UAE, many people welcome the relief from the heat. The weather turns pleasant, the beach becomes appealing, and outdoor activities pick up. However, at Barraquer Ophthalmology Center, we also notice a common complaint during this season: “Why are my eyes watering so much lately?”

It might seem odd. Many people think watery eyes are a sign of good hydration, but too much tearing usually means something is wrong. In the UAE’s winter, there are a few clear reasons why this happens. Let’s look at what your eyes might be telling you.

Your Eyes Water Because They’re Dry. Yes, Really.

This is the most surprising reason, and also the most common. When the air is dry, as it often is during UAE winters, your tear film evaporates more quickly. This irritates the surface of your eyes, and your body reacts by producing more reflex tears. These reflex tears are:

  • watery

  • inconsistent

  • not lubricating

  • unable to stay on the eye for long

So your eyes water, but they still feel irritated or dry. Many people think this is due to allergies, but it’s actually evaporative dry eye, which can be made worse by:

  • cool winter breezes

  • Air conditioning is still running indoors.

  • lower humidity

  • more time spent outdoors

If your eyes water and feel dry at the same time, this is likely the cause.

Winter Winds in the UAE Can Make Things Worse

The UAE’s winter winds, especially in the evenings or during desert and beach trips, can irritate your eyes and make your tear glands overreact. Wind exposure can lead to:

  • tearing

  • redness

  • burning

  • blurry vision

  • sensitivity to light

Even a gentle wind can remove moisture from your tear film very quickly. If you’ve come back from a desert safari with burning, watery eyes, that’s your tear film signaling it needs help.

Allergies Also Peak in UAE Winter

Winter may be mild in the UAE, but allergens don’t go away. In fact, they often increase. Common winter triggers include:

  • dust

  • indoor allergens from AC ducts

  • mold spores

  • pollen that circulates during cooler months

Allergies typically cause:

  • itchy eyes

  • watery discharge

  • redness

  • swollen eyelids

Unlike infections, allergies usually affect both eyes equally. Many patients think they have caught something, but it’s usually just seasonal irritation.

Blocked Tear Ducts: A Less Common but Important Cause

If one eye waters more than the other, or if tears often run down your cheek, a partial tear duct blockage could be the reason. This is more common in:

  • people over 40

  • individuals with sinus issues

  • patients with chronic inflammation

  • people frequently exposed to dust or sand

Blocked ducts stop tears from draining into the nose, so they collect on the eye and overflow, especially in windy or dry weather. This condition can be treated, but it should be diagnosed by a specialist.

Screen Time Can Make Things Worse Too

Winter means more cozy indoor hours:

  • Netflix marathons

  • gaming

  • long video calls

  • scrolling late at night

When you look at screens, you blink almost 60% less often. This leads to:

  • dryness

  • eye fatigue

  • reflex tearing

So yes, watching that extra season on Netflix could be making your eyes water more.

When Should You Worry About Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes in winter are usually not serious, but sometimes they can signal a bigger problem. You should get checked if:

  • Tearing lasts more than a few days.

  • One eye is consistently watering more than the other.

  • You notice pain or light sensitivity.

  • discharge becomes thick

  • vision becomes blurry

  • Redness keeps increasing

  • You wear contact lenses and feel discomfort.

At Barraquer, we use:

  • tear film analysis

  • slit-lamp examination

  • Meibomian gland evaluation

  • tear duct patency tests

to find out exactly what’s causing the problem and treat it the right way.

Simple Ways to Reduce Watery Eyes in the UAE Winter

  • Wear sunglasses outdoors

Sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.

  • Use preservative-free lubricating drops

These drops help keep your tear film stable and reduce extra tearing.

  • Stay hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when the weather is cooler.

  •  Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing your eyes can make irritation worse and cause more tearing.

  • Clean AC vents and increase humidity at home

Dry indoor air is a major cause of watery eyes.

  • Take breaks from screens

Your eyes need these breaks more than you might realize.

Conclusion

If your eyes water more during the UAE winter, you’re not imagining it. This is very common. Most of the time, your eyes are just reacting to dryness, wind, or seasonal allergens. But sometimes, it can mean you need to see a doctor. The good news?

A quick visit to Barraquer Ophthalmology Center can help find the exact cause and stop the tearing, often with simple and targeted treatment. Your eyes don’t have to feel uncomfortable this season. With the right care, you can enjoy a comfortable, clear, and irritation-free winter.
 

Schedule a consultation today

For consultation, please contact us:

  • Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
  • Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
  • Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
  • Availability: 7 days a week, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
    Extended hours on Monday until 8:00 PM

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