Dry eye is a common condition in which a person doesn’t have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears give the eyes the moisture and lubrication needed to wash away impurities that can harm the eye.
Common symptoms of dry eye:
- Dryness
- Stinging or burning
- Itchiness or grittiness
- Redness
- Pain
- Stringing mucus around the eye
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
There are a few circumstances that can dry your eyes out even more during the warmer months, even more so in the Midwest:
- Dry climate
- Allergens
- Air conditioning
- Dehydration
- Smoke, dust, and air pollution
- Swimming pools
- Sunlight
- Saltwater in the ocean
Managing dry eye in the summer:
Continue any current treatment plan your doctor has prescribed for your dry eye
- stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier indoors
- Adjust air conditioning vents so they don’t point directly at you
- Wear eye protection
- goggles when swimming
- Sunglasses when outdoors
- Antihistamines and warm compresses for allergy-related dry eye
- Consume more water. Antihistamines will dry your eye.
- Discontinue antihistamines as soon as the allergen diminishes
Sources:
#eyegotcha
#PittsburghEyeCare
#PittsburghOptometrist