How to Manage Dry Eyes in the Summer
The changing of the seasons has a big impact on the health of your eyes. One common eye discomfort that is impacted by the weather and climate is dry eyes. Temperature, humidity, wind and seasonal allergens can all negatively affect your eyes. During the sunny summer months, your eyes can become very dry due to extra exposure to sunlight, sunscreen products, sweat, various bodies of water, and smoke from grills and campfires.
Main causes of dry eyes in the summertime:
- Increased exposure to direct sunlight
- Exposure to salt from swimming in the ocean
- Eye contact with chlorine from swimming in pools
- Dust particles in the air
- Going in and out of highly air-conditioned buildings
If you suffer from dry eyes, you’re not alone. Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disease that occurs in more than 4.8 million Americans that are over 50 years old. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes than men, due to estrogen fluctuations. When the eye lacks a normal, healthy tear layer, it is referred to as “dry eye.” There are many uncomfortable and irritating symptoms associated with dry eyes.
Common dry eye symptoms include:
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Red eyes
- Gritty, scratchy or sandy feeling in eyes
- Sign of mucous or clear discharge
- Tearing
- Eyes frequently watering (especially while reading, working on a computer or driving)
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
Although you can suffer from dry eyes year-round, you may be specifically wondering how you can find relief from dry eyes this summer. If you spend a large amount of time outdoors during this time of year, you may be putting yourself more at risk for dry eye syndrome. Due to the high amounts of time people spend being exposed to the sun and other elements during the summer months, it is important to know how to protect your eyes properly.
Ways to treat dry eyes in the summer:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection (polarized ones are even better!)
- Prescription eye drops to treat your eyes
- Wear a sun hat to protect your eyes from the sun
- For contact lens wearers, opt for lenses that are designed to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays
- Eat a well-balanced diet that consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables, and stay well-hydrated
Premier Eye Care Group can treat your dry eyes!
If you are searching for a dry eye doctor in the Harrisburg, PA or Camp Hill, PA region, Premier Eye Care Group is here for you! Whether you need to alleviate your chronic dry eye symptoms, or are looking for a variety of other vision services, our eye doctors can take care of all your eye care needs. We treat dry eye with various in-office procedures, such as tear conservation, as well as the use of prescription eye drops. Please contact us today at (717) 232-0843 to discuss your treatment options. Appointment requests can also be made directly on our website. We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you a happy summer!