Do your eyes ever feel extra dry, irritated, or watery when the seasons change? Weather shifts can have a significant impact on dry eye symptoms, making them worse at certain times of the year. From cold winter winds to hot, humid summers, different environmental factors affect your tear film and eye comfort. If you struggle with seasonal dry eye, understanding these changes can help you manage discomfort and keep your vision clear year-round.
Winter: Cold, dry air & indoor heating
Winter in Connecticut brings chilly winds and dry air, both of which can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. Indoor heating makes things worse by reducing humidity levels, leaving your eyes feeling dry, scratchy, and irritated. If you suffer from dry eyes in the winter, consider using a humidifier, wearing wraparound sunglasses outside, and using preservative-free artificial tears for extra moisture.
Spring: Allergies & eye irritation
Spring means blooming flowers but also an increase in pollen, which can trigger allergies and worsen dry eye symptoms. If your eyes are itchy, red, or watery, allergens could be the culprit. Try washing your face and eyelids after spending time outdoors, using antihistamine eye drops (if recommended by your eye doctor), and switching to glasses instead of contacts on high-pollen days to reduce irritation.
Summer: Heat, sun, & dehydration
Hot, sunny days might be great for outdoor fun, but they can also dry out your eyes. Wind, air conditioning, and dehydration from sweating all play a role in worsening dry eye symptoms. If you spend a lot of time outside, it’s important to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, stay hydrated, and take breaks from air-conditioned environments when possible. Chlorinated pools and salt water can also be harsh on your eyes, so consider using lubricating drops after swimming.
Fall: Wind & seasonal changes
Autumn often brings crisp air and breezy days, but those gusts of wind can dry out your tear film. As the air gets cooler, humidity levels drop, leading to faster tear evaporation. If your eyes feel drier in the fall, try protecting them with glasses or sunglasses when outside and blinking more often, especially if you’re spending a lot of time staring at screens.
Managing dry eye in any season
If seasonal dry eye isn’t improving with eye drops, professional treatments can offer long-lasting relief and better comfort. At Avon Vision Associates and New Hartford Eye Associates, our dry eye specialists in Avon, CT, and New Hartford, CT offer a range of treatment options for dry eye, including:
- Celluma LLLT (low level light therapy) – Helps reduce inflammation and boost natural tear production for more comfortable eyes.
- OptiLight IPL therapy – Targets the root causes of dry eye by reducing inflammation and improving oil gland function.
- Forma-I radiofrequency – Uses gentle heat to stimulate eyelid glands, helping to promote better oil flow and tear stability.
- ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) – A deep cleaning treatment that removes debris and bacteria from the eyelids, supporting healthier tear production.
- TearCare® system – Uses gentle heat to clear blocked oil glands, providing long-lasting relief.
- Scleral contact lenses – Specially designed lenses that create a protective moisture barrier for those with severe dry eye.
If dry eye is making your daily life uncomfortable, schedule an appointment at Avon Vision Associates or New Hartford Eye Associates today. We’ll help you find the best solutions to keep your eyes feeling great in any weather!