Dry eye is a condition that leads to poor lubrication of the eyes due to inadequate tear production or quality. While the leading cause of dry eyes is usually health-related, the weather can trigger or worsen it. 

A study conducted in 2015 found that dry eye syndrome symptoms tend to change dramatically between the seasons. The two seasons most impactful for dry eye syndrome are winter and spring, and they both have similar effects on the tear film. 

Seasonal Factors That Impact Dry Eye Syndrome

The main environmental factors in the two seasons that make dry eye worse include the following:

• Humidity

• Sunlight

• Air pollution

• Temperature

• Wind

• Pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander

• Vents or fans

These changes are most intense and worse during winter and spring and lowest in summer and fall. Summer has lower incidences of dry eye because the air is full of humidity and is warmer. These factors help ensure that your eyes stay moist longer, which is not the case in winter and spring.

Winter

Winter's cold air has much less moisture than is ideal, especially for people with dry eye syndrome. The low humidity levels evaporate your tear film faster than it usually would. Additionally, the high wind speeds make evaporation much more likely, and it may be worse when you are indoors. When you spend time indoors, you are likely to use a fan or the air-con system, making dry eye worse because it could blow dust into your eyes. 

Spring

The prevalence of dry eye syndrome in spring is much higher than in summer, at around 21%. It is directly related to the amount of pollen in the air. Dry eye in spring is often a result of environmental irritants in high amounts in the air during the season. 

Pollen, mold, and pet dander are relatively abundant during this season, making them the leading cause of dry eye symptoms. However, fans and air-con systems are also crucial in developing dry eye symptoms. 

How to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms Due to Seasonal Changes

Artificial Tears

This is the popular option when your dry eye symptoms are mild, with eye doctors suggesting brands better for you. Eye drops with preservatives are more likely to irritate your eyes further but are less likely to have bacterial growth in the solution. If the irritation is too much, you may prefer non-preservative eye drops. 

Cover Your Eyes When You Go Out

You can get a pair of sunglasses to wear every time you go out to protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and pollen. This is a great way to keep the dry eye symptoms at bay, especially if you get wraparound sunglasses.

Change Contact Lenses

You can use different contact lenses better suited for dry eye syndrome, like scleral contacts. You could also use eyeglasses several times during the day to take a break from using contacts.

Use a Humidifier

If you have to stay indoors and have the air-conditioning system on, ensure that you have a humidifier that will increase the moisture content in the air.

For more on coping with dry eye during seasonal changes, visit Optometry Medical Group at our offices in Seattle, Washington. Call (206) 888-6128 or (206) 888-6028 to book an appointment today.