Key Takeaways
- Dry eye happens when your eyes make too few tears or your tears dry up too fast.
- Winter brings cold wind, dry indoor heat, and more screen time.
- Summer brings air conditioning, fans, sun, and outdoor irritants.
- Artificial tears, warm compresses, and simple daily habits can help ease symptoms.
- An eye doctor can help you find relief when home care isn’t enough.
In the fall, your eyes might burn on your morning walk or feel gritty by the end of the workday. Then summer arrives, and the discomfort shows up at your desk, right under the office air-conditioning vent. Our team at Danville Optometric Group hears about these seasonal shifts, and we want to help you understand why the seasons can impact your dry eye symptoms.
Your dry eye symptoms change with the seasons because temperature, humidity, and wind all affect your tear film. Knowing what each season brings can help you plan ahead, and dry eye treatment at our practice offers extra support when you need it.
What Is Dry Eye and Why Does It Change with the Seasons?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when your tears dry up too fast. Temperature, humidity, and wind can all shift your tear balance, leading to dry eye symptoms at different times and places throughout the year.
Signs of Dry Eye
Everyone experiences dry eye differently, but here are the most common symptoms:
- Your eyes burn, sting, feel scratchy, or look red.
- Your eyes feel gritty, like something is stuck in them.
- Your vision blurs temporarily, you’re sensitive to light, or your eyes feel tired.
Dry Eye or Seasonal Allergies?
Itchy, red eyes can come from allergies, too. Allergies are most commonly associated with itchiness and often bring other symptoms, like sneezing and a stuffy nose. Dry eye, on the other hand, feels more gritty and centers on irritation and discomfort in the eyes themselves.
You can also have both at the same time, which is one reason an eye exam can help sort things out.
Why Dry Eye Feels Worse in Winter
Cold Air and Wind Outside
Winter air holds little moisture, and low humidity can cause tears to dry up faster. Brisk wind adds to the problem by irritating already sensitive eyes.
Indoor Heat and More Screen Time
Stepping inside doesn’t always bring relief. Heated indoor air can lack moisture, too.
Shorter days also mean more time indoors, and more time indoors often means more time on laptops, tablets, and phones. Screens lower how often you blink, so your eyes get fewer chances to refresh.
How Summer Affects Your Dry Eye Symptoms
Air Conditioners and Fans
A cool office feels great on a hot afternoon. However, air conditioning lowers indoor humidity, much like a heater does in winter. A desk fan or car vent blowing straight at your face can dry out your eyes even more.
Sun, Pollen, and Outdoor Irritants
Warm weather pulls you outdoors for all sorts of activities, and there are often more irritants outside.
Here’s what can bother your eyes outdoors:
- UV rays and wind.
- Pollen and dust.
- Smoke and air pollution.
Simple Ways to Ease Dry Eye
Quick Relief at Home
A few easy steps can help when your eyes feel dry:
- Use preservative-free artificial tears, which work well for frequent use.
- Rest a clean, warm compress over your closed eyes.
- Remember to blink often and take breaks during screen time.
Smart Habits for Every Season
Small changes to your space can add up. Run a humidifier indoors, and choose a seat away from heaters and fans. Outside, wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat can help shield your eyes from sun and wind.
At your desk, try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
When to See Your Optometrist for Dry Eye
Home care helps many people, but some symptoms call for a closer look. If your dry eye begins to prevent you from going about your day, your symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, or you notice changes in your vision, it’s worth booking a visit with your Danville optometrist.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Your eye doctor can examine your eyes and suggest a plan based on your symptoms. Possible treatments include:
- Prescription eye drops or ointments to help soothe your eyes.
- Punctal plugs, which keep tears on your eyes longer.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to support tear film quality.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
Every season brings something new for your eyes, from winter wind to summer air conditioning. Danville Optometric Group can help you build a plan to keep your eyes comfortable all year. Book your appointment today.
