How Does Weather or Seasonal Change Affect Dry Eye?

At Refined Eyecare Optometry, we see many patients whose dry eye symptoms worsen during certain seasons. Whether it’s winter’s dry air, spring’s allergens, or summer’s heat, the weather can play a major role in how your eyes feel. Understanding how these seasonal shifts impact your eyes is the first step toward long-term relief and healthier vision.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to symptoms like stinging, burning, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes. Left untreated, dry eye can affect your quality of life and even lead to damage to the surface of the eye.
 

How Weather or Seasonal Change Affect Dry Eye

Seasonal changes can have a major impact on tear film stability and overall eye comfort, often triggering or worsening dry eye symptoms throughout the year.
 

In the winter, cold outdoor air combined with indoor heating systems creates a dry atmosphere that leads to increased tear evaporation. Windy conditions and low humidity levels can make symptoms even more pronounced.
 

During the spring, allergens like pollen are in full force, which can cause eyes to become itchy, watery, or irritated. While antihistamines may help relieve allergy symptoms, they can also reduce tear production, further contributing to dry eye.
 

Summer brings its own challenges. Hot temperatures, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and air conditioning all play a role in drying out the eyes. Outdoor activities during this season often expose the eyes to wind and UV rays, accelerating tear evaporation.
 

In the autumn, temperatures begin to drop and heating systems are turned back on, once again reducing indoor humidity. This shift can lead to a resurgence of dry eye symptoms as the environment becomes less eye-friendly.
 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

There are several steps you can take to help manage dry eye symptoms year-round:

• Use a humidifier: Increasing indoor humidity can prevent the air from drying out your tear film.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports tear production.

• Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses or wraparound glasses shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.

• Take screen breaks: Reduce eye strain and encourage blinking by following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

• Avoid direct air flow: Don’t point fans or car vents directly at your eyes.
   

When to See Your Optometrist

If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening dry eye symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with your optometrist. Professional evaluation is the key to understanding what’s truly causing your discomfort and how best to treat it.
 

At Refined Eyecare Optometry, we begin by providing a thorough diagnosis to pinpoint the underlying cause of your dry eye - whether it’s related to tear production, tear evaporation, inflammation, or another factor. Once we understand the source, we create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs and lifestyle.
 

We also offer advanced treatment options, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. IPL is a non-invasive treatment that targets inflammation, helping to improve tear quality and restore comfort over time. Seeking professional care is essential not only for relieving symptoms but also for preventing long-term damage to the eye’s surface.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Seasonal and environmental changes can take a toll on your eyes, but understanding the triggers and taking proactive steps can make a big difference. Whether it’s winter winds or springtime allergens, dry eye doesn’t have to interfere with your life.
 

If dry eye symptoms are disrupting your comfort or vision, contact Refined Eyecare Optometry to explore effective solutions tailored to your needs. Visit our office in Torrance, California, or call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.