Living in means adjusting not just to busy schedules but also to a climate that puts your eyes to the test. From cold, dry winters to humid summers and pollen-filled springs, each season has its own way of triggering dry eye symptoms.
At , our team understands how these changes affect daily life — whether you’re working long hours on a screen, driving in winter glare, or helping your child manage seasonal eye allergies.
Why Seasonal Weather Affects Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Seasonal conditions common in can worsen dry eye symptoms:
- Spring: Pollen from trees and plants is abundant, often causing itchy, watery, yet dry-feeling eyes. Parents with children in school may notice more complaints around this time.
- Summer: Heat and humidity combine with constant air conditioning. Many patients report burning or gritty eyes after long commutes, outdoor sports, or vacations.
- Fall: Windy days make moisture evaporate faster, leaving eyes irritated during back-to-school routines or evening walks.
- Winter: Cold temperatures and indoor heating create the driest air of the year. Older adults especially notice blurry vision and discomfort when reading, driving at night, or sitting near vents.
For patients already managing dry eye disease, these changes can turn mild irritation into a daily frustration.
Seasonal Dry Eye Symptoms to Watch For
Because symptoms often overlap with allergies or simple fatigue, many patients don’t realize they’re experiencing dry eye flare-ups. Common signs include:
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes
- Light sensitivity outdoors or under office lighting
- Redness that worsens with heating or cooling systems
- Excess tearing, especially in windy or cold weather
- Blurred vision after prolonged screen use
- Contact lenses feeling uncomfortable earlier in the day
Recognizing these patterns is the first step in getting relief. If you notice your eyes feel worse at certain times of the year, it may not be “just the weather” — seasonal dry eye could be the cause.
Practical Dry Eye Relief Strategies for Each Season
Dry eye doesn’t have to hold you back from enjoying everything has to offer year-round. A few adjustments can make a big difference:
1. Spring: Combat Allergens
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce exposure.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears to flush away irritants.
2. Summer: Stay Hydrated & Protected
- Drink plenty of water to support natural tear production.
- Avoid sitting directly under fans or AC vents.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses for outdoor activities.
3. Fall: Manage Dry, Windy Days
- Use a humidifier indoors to maintain moisture.
- Apply lubricating eye drops before heading outside.
- Limit time outdoors during especially windy afternoons.
4. Winter: Fight Indoor Heating & Cold Air
- Position yourself away from heating vents.
- Take screen breaks every 20 minutes to blink and refresh your eyes.
- Use warm compresses to support the function of the oil glands.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments at
While seasonal adjustments can help, many patients in need more than home remedies to find lasting relief. At , our optometrists use advanced technology and proven therapies to treat dry eye at the source, not just the symptoms.
- LipiFlow®: Uses gentle heat and pressure to unclog blocked oil glands, restoring healthy tear film.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Targets inflammation linked to meibomian gland dysfunction and skin conditions that worsen dry eye.
- TempSure® Envi: A radiofrequency therapy that improves tear stability while rejuvenating skin around the eyes.
- Celluma Light Therapy: Stimulates natural healing to reduce discomfort and improve gland function.
- ZEST Eyelid Treatments: A professional deep clean for eyelids that reduces bacteria and improves comfort.
- Nutritional Support: Omega-3 supplements and lifestyle guidance to promote better tear quality.
Protect Your Eyes Through Every Season with
You shouldn’t have to suffer through itchy, irritated, or blurry vision every time the weather changes. At , our team is here to help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and to find real solutions that bring lasting relief.
If seasonal dry eye has been affecting your comfort, schedule an appointment to talk about how we can make your vision clearer and your days more comfortable.
Seasonal Dry Eye FAQs
Why do my eyes feel dry in the winter even though I’m indoors?
Indoor heating removes moisture from the air, creating a very dry environment. This leads to faster tear evaporation and more irritation, especially for patients who spend long hours on screens.
Can allergies and dry eye occur simultaneously?
Yes. Seasonal allergic reactions can make dry eye symptoms worse by inflaming the surface of the eyes and reducing tear quality. Treating both conditions often provides the best relief.
Do I need prescription treatments for dry eye, or are over-the-counter drops enough?
Artificial tears may help mild cases, but persistent or seasonal flare-ups often require prescription or in-office treatments to address underlying causes like oil gland dysfunction.