We all look forward to enjoying summer weather and activities. However, people with dry eye disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome (DES), may find their gritty, gummy, itchy symptoms increasing for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, you can take several steps to counteract these uncomfortable issues. Implement some easy home treatments for dry eye to find relief while you get outdoors to make the most of your summer.
How the Summer Season May Irritate Your Eyes
Your Dry Eye symptoms may bother you in the summer for several reasons. Three of the top that factors may cause your eyes to become drier than normal include:
- The Air around You – Outside in drier climates, and indoors in any air conditioned building, the air can be quite drying to your eyes. Dry climates and air conditioning can lead to faster tear evaporation. Increased air pollution, such as from wildfires and barbecue smoke, is another factor that may lead to chronic dry eye at this time.
- Effects of the Sun – More exposure to sunlight can result in dry, irritated eyes as they try to protect you from glare and other irritants. Additionally, the UV rays of the sun may also cause eye dryness and discomfort.
- Water Sports and Activities – When you spend time in the water, your eyes become more vulnerable to dryness. The chemicals in swimming pools may quickly dry out your eyes. Salt water from the ocean can also be drying. And, even freshwater lakes and rivers may contain irritants that trigger dry eye syndrome. At the very least, lots of fresh water upsets the balance between mucus, oil and water that your protective tear film requires!
How to Control Dry Eye Symptoms in Summer
You don’t need to avoid your favorite summertime activities. Here are some ways to minimize and treat DED during the summer:
- Remain hydrated: Remember to hydrate your body and eyes by drinking an adequate supply of water. You may also want to increase your intake of vegetables and fruits with high water content, such as cucumber, lettuce, watermelon, strawberries, and tomatoes.
- Take a good supplement: Taking a supplement with omega-3 fatty acids is a simple and affordable way to support tear production. This step may be even more beneficial during the hottest, driest times of the year.
- Wear the right protection: You should always protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Invest in a quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are out in the sun, and wear goggles when you are swimming.
- Use an eye compress: A heated compress can provide much relief to dry, irritated eyes. If the season wreaks havoc on your eyes, you may want to apply a compress daily.
Look to EyeGiene® for a Comfortable Summer!
No matter what you have planned for summer, don’t suffer needlessly from dry eyes. Our EyeGiene warm eye compresses with our Insta-Warmth™ Warming Wafer technology automatically produce the temperature you need to get your eyelid oil glands working properly. Whether you are driving with the windows down, spending time at the beach, or working in an air-conditioned office, a daily 10-minute session with our warm compress will help to keep your eyes in top condition.
Also take our high-potency nutritional supplements regularly to improve overall eye health.
And, if you are going to travel this summer don’t let traveling with dry eye interfere with your plans. Be sure to pack our dry eye mask and a box of inserts. Our system is portable and easy to use, making it the best eye mask for dry eye symptoms. The wafers are self-warming and require no microwave or hot water.
Ten to 15 minutes per day with our warm compress is like a spa treatment for your eyes. This will help keep dry eye at bay as you enjoy your time away from home.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions! You are welcome to call or text us at 1.888.882.1978, use our online contact form, or email us at: info@eyegiene.com
