Guidance for Chronically Dry Eyes Throughout All Seasons
Revamped Article:
Spring, summer, fall, or winter - dry eyes ain't just a winter woe anymore. When you think about evaporative dry eyes, you might envision frosty winters. But, this pesky condition can pop up anytime, even in sweltering summer heat or pollen-filled spring days. That's why we tapped optometrist extraordinaire, Alexandra Williamson, OD, to help shed some light on what drives dry eyes and how to keep 'em at bay.
Now, let's talk about Mother Nature and her tricks for drier peepers. The seasons come bringin' changes in weather and allergens like pollen or dust, which can ramp up styes and clogged meibomian glands. These glands produce oil to keep your tears slick, but when they're blocked or congested, those sweet tears get thin and watery. This leaves you with evaporative dry eyes – a condition where your tears evaporate too fast, making your eyes irritated, uncomfortable, and red.
Dr. Williamson points out that dry eye symptoms like itchiness, redness, and watery eyes can be trigged by environmental factors like:
- Celebrating spring with seasonal allergies (like pollen)
- Surviving winter's low humidity
- Enjoying sweltering summer air conditioning
- Coping with increased winds in autumn, along with ragweed allergens
"Your peepers might be dryer due to hormones, your diet, the environment around you, your lack of blinking, or simply because you're living life and forgetting to let your eyes breathe," says Dr. Williamson. "We see these problems year-round."
So, how do you keep your eyes feeling fresh all year long? First things first: Regular eye appointments with an optometrist, especially during your problematic seasons, can help you stay on top of your dry eye game.
"Those dealing with seasonal allergies should chat with us ahead of allergy seasons," notes Dr. Williamson. "We can recommend allergy meds like a boss, 'cause we know their symptoms are coming. And trust us: Using medication will make them feel better and keep their symptoms from getting any worse."
When dry eyes strike, be gentle with your eyes. Avoid rubbing them, as it introduces more bacteria and irritation into your peepers. Instead:
- Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops as prescribed
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for wearing contacts
- Wash your hands before touchin' your face
- Wash your face before bed to remove allergens and leftover makeup or creams
- Wear sunglasses to shield your peepers from wind and dust
- Use a humidifier to restore moisture during summer or winter months
- Limit screen time and take breaks to give your peepers a break
If you try these remedies and still feel like your eyes need a break, don't fret – an optometrist has got your back. "With the advancements in dry eye treatments, we can offer different eye drops, medications, implants, or eyelid repositioning to help you see clearly again," assures Dr. Williamson. "Your solution is unique to you, so come in and talk to the experts for personalized care and sweet, hydrated eyes!"
- Environmental factors like seasonal allergies, low humidity, dry air conditioning, increased winds, and ragweed allergens can trigger dry eyes, as highlighted by Dr. Williamson, emphasizing the importance of regular eye appointments to manage dry eye symptoms year-round.
- To maintain healthy eyes and alleviate dryness, one should follow a recommended routine that includes using preservative-free lubricating eye drops, practicing good eye hygiene, wearing sunglasses, using a humidifier, limiting screen time, and seeking professional help if needed, assures Dr. Williamson, as she underscores the advancements in dry eye treatments and personalized care solutions.
