Is Dry Eye Worse in the Summer?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on June 13, 2024

If you have dry eye disease, you may notice that the symptoms seem worse at certain times of the year. Summer can be a season when dry eyes are likely to flare up. 

There are different reasons for new or worsening dry eye symptoms in summer, such as allergies or weather changes. Understanding dry eye disease and what can exacerbate it can help you avoid dry eye flare-ups. 

Keep reading to learn more about dry eye in the summer!

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease is different than periodic episodes of dry eye, where your eyes occasionally feel a little dry or tired. Dry eye disease is a chronic condition, usually caused by problems with the multi-layered tear film that protects the eyes. 

The different tear film layers contain a combination of lipids, oils, and water that work together to keep your eyes lubricated and wash away debris. Dry eyes might be caused by an insufficient tear film because your eyes aren’t producing enough tears. 

Alternatively, your tear film may not have the right balance of fluids, which may cause tears to evaporate too fast, leaving the eye dry. 

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Gritty eyes
• Burning or stinging in the eyes
• Eye itching and soreness
• Excess tearing or watery eyes
• Red or swollen eyelids

Dry eyes can also affect your vision. You might notice that dry eye flare-ups cause vision changes, including:

• Intermittent blurriness 
• Excessive eye fatigue
• Light or glare sensitivity

Summer and Dry Eyes

There are a lot of things that can trigger a flare-up of dry eyes at any time of year, like too much screen time or spending time in a dry environment like an airplane. During summer, changes to the environment indoors and outdoors can increase dry eye symptoms. You might notice dry eyes due to:

• Use of air conditioning
• Being outdoors in dusty or windy conditions
• Seasonal allergies

How Can You Treat Dry Eyes?

If you notice new or worsening dry eye symptoms, call your eye doctor. They can examine your eyes to determine what is causing your symptoms.

You may need prescription eye drops or other medications to increase tear production. You might also benefit from non-invasive in-office treatments like iLux® or AB Max™ that can clear fluids trapped around the eye and improve tear distribution.  

You can also take steps at home to reduce the risk of summer weather and allergies affecting your eyes:

• Use lubricating eye drops
• Use warm compresses
• Avoid sitting near fans or air vents that blow air toward your eyes
• Take frequent breaks when reading or using a computer
• Keep windows closed in your home and car to reduce exposure to pollen or other allergens
• Wash your hands after being outdoors or touching pets to remove pollen and dander
• Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen and dust outside 

Are you experiencing new or worsening symptoms of dry eye? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!