Do your eyes feel drier, itchier, or more irritated when summer rolls around? With hotter temperatures, longer days outdoors, and increased exposure to air conditioning, it’s no surprise that summer brings new challenges for those struggling with dry eye. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy all season.
 

Why Does Dry Eye Flare Up in the Summer?

Several factors contribute to increased dry eye symptoms during the summer months. Hot weather causes higher temperatures, which speed up the evaporation of tears and often leave your eyes feeling gritty and uncomfortable. At the same time, increased sun exposure means more ultraviolet (UV) rays reach your eyes, which can worsen inflammation on the eye’s surface and aggravate dryness.
 

Many people also spend more time indoors with the air conditioning on during the summer. While it keeps you cool, air conditioning dries out the air in your home or office, which can quickly lead to drier eyes. Outdoor activities can pose additional challenges, as exposure to dust, pollen, chlorine from pools, and wind can all further irritate your eyes and worsen dry eye symptoms.
 

Dehydration is another common issue in the summer. As temperatures rise, you’re more likely to sweat and lose fluids, which can lead to dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it can’t produce as many tears, making dry eye symptoms even more noticeable.
 

What Can You Do to Manage Dry Eye in the Summer?

While summer can make dry eye more challenging, there are practical steps you can take to minimize discomfort:

• Wear Sunglasses: Wraparound styles help block wind, sun, and airborne irritants.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy tear production.

• Use a Humidifier Indoors: Adding moisture to the air can offset the drying effects of air conditioning.

• Avoid Direct Blowing Air: Don’t sit directly in front of fans or AC vents.

• Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Clean eyelids daily to remove irritants and reduce inflammation.

• Take Breaks from Screens: Frequent blinking and regular breaks help your eyes stay moist.
   

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If your dry eye symptoms are persistent, worsen, or interfere with daily activities, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Professional evaluation is essential, especially if you’re experiencing:

• Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensations

• Redness or sensitivity to light

• Blurry vision or eye fatigue

• Mucus in or around the eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
   

What Sets Alamo Eye Care Apart

At Alamo Eye Care, we offer a comprehensive range of advanced treatments designed to address dry eye at its source, rather than just manage the symptoms. Our goal is to provide lasting relief and improve your overall eye health with personalized care.
 

One of the options we provide is punctal plugs; tiny devices that are gently inserted into the tear ducts to help your eyes retain more of their natural tears. We also offer therapeutic treatments, including prescription medications, to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production.
 

For those who need additional moisture and protection, scleral contact lenses are a specialized solution that shields the eye’s surface and delivers long-lasting hydration. Another innovative therapy we offer is MiBo Thermoflo, a gentle and non-invasive treatment that uses targeted heat to relieve meibomian gland dysfunction and enhance the quality of your tears.
 

In cases where the eye’s surface needs to heal and regenerate, we can use an amniotic membrane treatment to support recovery and protect sensitive tissues. For severe dry eye, autologous serum tears (custom-made eye drops created from your own blood) provide advanced and highly effective relief. With our expertise and full suite of advanced solutions, we can tailor a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and brings you lasting comfort.
 

Don’t Let Dry Eye Disrupt Your Summer

Don’t let dry eye keep you from enjoying your summer. By understanding the causes and seeking the right care, you can find real relief.
 

If dry eye is making your summer uncomfortable, schedule a consultation with Alamo Eye Care to explore advanced, personalized treatment options. Contact our office in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, by calling (210) 403-9050 to book an appointment today.