Five Tips to Prevent Dry Eye Syndrome in the Summer

Do your eyes feel dry all the time? Do you need helpful summertime tips for dry eye syndrome? Keeping your eyes lubricated is imperative for eye health. When eyes don't feel moist, they often feel scratchy and irritated. This condition is called dry eye syndrome and affects about five million adults in the United States. While some patients report colder weather in winter months exasperates this condition due to less humidity in the air, others find summertime dry eye symptoms worsen because of swimming, air conditioning use, and sun exposure. Find out how to manage dry eyes during warmer months and improve your vision health from the experienced ophthalmologists at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA. 

What causes dry eye syndrome? 

Dry eyes can become dry, red, and inflamed. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as looking at a computer for a few hours, riding a bike, in an air-conditioned room, or on an airplane. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when not enough tears can provide adequate lubrication. An instability of tears can lead to discomfort, inflammation, even damage to the eye's surface. Signs and symptoms of dry eyes usually affect both eyes, which may include:  

• Sensitivity to light 
• Scratchy, stinging sensation in your eyes 
• Eye redness 
• A sense of having something in your eyes 
• Difficulty driving at night 
• Blurry vision 
• Eye fatigue 
• Excessive watery eyes, or the body's response to irritation from dryness 

How to manage dry eye syndrome in the summertime  

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition for post-menopausal women and older adults, but it can also be an indicator of other eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Dry eyes can be itchy, uncomfortable, even painful. In the warmer, more humid days of summer, you might feel sensitivity to light, vision issues, and irritation in certain situations. Here are some tips to help with dry eye syndrome:  

• Use prescription or over-the-counter eye drops 
• Wear sunglasses to protect against wind, sun, and dry air 
• Wear goggles when swimming to protect from chlorine 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Use a warm compress to soothe irritated and dry eyes 

When should I consult with a doctor about eye dryness? 

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the tear ducts don't provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. There are different reasons for tear film dysfunction, including hormonal imbalance, allergies, vitamin A deficiency, age, or a by-product of taking certain medications. Dry eyes can also indicate the onset of some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Along with the uncomfortable side effects of dry eye syndrome, Baton Rouge, LA patients are more at risk of developing eye infections, damage due to inflammation, and even vision loss. 

Do you need family vision care in Baton Rouge, LA? 

If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of dry eye syndrome, it's imperative to schedule an eye exam. Our experienced ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating reasons for dry eye syndrome. Take care of your vision health by contacting Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA today.