Spokane summers are beautiful, but they can be tough on your eyes.
The hot, dry air and low humidity levels common during this season can leave your eyes feeling irritated, tired, and uncomfortable. If you’ve noticed a gritty or burning sensation, blurry vision, or excessive tearing, you’re not alone. These are all common signs of dry eye in summer, and they tend to flare up in climates like Spokane’s.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to protect your eyes from the dry summer air. Whether you’re enjoying time outdoors or staying cool inside, here’s what you need to know to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all season long.
How Does Spokane’s Dry Climate Impact Your Eyes?
In a summer dry climate, your eyes are exposed to high temperatures and very little moisture in the air. Spokane’s weather often leads to faster tear evaporation, which means your eyes lose their natural moisture more quickly than usual. Without enough lubrication, your eyes may feel scratchy, red, or tired, and that discomfort can affect everything from reading to enjoying time outside.
Spokane dry eye in summer is often made worse by seasonal elements like wind, pollen, and wildfire smoke. All of these factors work together to make summer one of the most challenging times of year for those prone to dry eyes.
Signs of Dry Eye in Summer
Dry eye can show up in different ways depending on the person, but these are some of the most frequent symptoms we see at Eyes for Life during Spokane’s dry season:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Itchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Redness or inflammation
- Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
These signs of dry eye in summer may seem like minor annoyances at first, but over time they can begin to interfere with daily life. Without the right care, dry eyes can even lead to more serious issues like inflammation, infection, or damage to the cornea.
Why Spokane Summer Humidity Affects Your Eyes
Spokane summer humidity levels tend to be low, and that lack of moisture has a direct impact on tear film quality. Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film to stay lubricated, but when the air is dry, tears evaporate faster than normal.
At Eyes for Life, our team often sees patients who experience a sudden increase in hot dry weather eye irritation this time of year. That’s because your eyes depend on a balance of oil, water, and mucin to function properly. When one layer of the tear film is off, your eyes may respond with redness, watering, pain, or a scratchy “foreign body” sensation. Spokane’s dry climate creates the perfect storm for tear film disruption, especially in the summer.
Dry Eye Tips for Spokane Summer Weather
Thankfully, there are some easy, proven ways to protect your eyes from dry air in Spokane:
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to reduce wind exposure
- Drink plenty of water to support tear production
- Use a wide-brimmed hat to limit sun and wind impact
- Avoid driving with the windows down on hot, windy days
These dry eye tips for Spokane summer can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy through even the hottest months.
Best Eye Drops for Dry Air Relief
Artificial tears are one of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve dry eyes in summer. At Eyes for Life, we offer a range of carefully selected options—including preservative-free drops like Systane Balance and Oasis Plus PF—that are tailored to your specific eye care needs.
The best eye drops for dry air don’t just mask symptoms. They support the tear film and help restore moisture, especially during flare-ups caused by seasonal dryness. If you’re unsure which product is right for you, our Dry Eye Relief Clinic can help identify the most effective options based on a thorough evaluation.
How to Prevent Indoor Dry Eye When the A/C Is Running
While outdoor heat gets most of the attention, air conditioning indoors can also make dry eye symptoms worse. Many Spokane homes and offices run A/C during the summer, which lowers indoor humidity and contributes to evaporative stress on the eyes.
To prevent dry eyes indoors:
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Make an effort to blink more often, especially during focused tasks
Adding these strategies to your daily routine can help reduce hot dry weather eye irritation and improve overall comfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Spokane Dry Eye in Summer
If your symptoms continue despite at-home care, it may be time to schedule a professional evaluation. Persistent summer dry climate eye irritation can signal a more complex issue that needs medical attention, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
At Eyes for Life, we specialize in Dry Eye Disease, a chronic condition caused by tear film disruption or underlying issues like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Our Dry Eye Relief Clinic in Spokane uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including LipiScan imaging, the SPEED Questionnaire, and tests like InflammaDry and TearLab Osmolarity, to uncover the root cause of your symptoms. From there, we build a custom treatment plan that may include in-office solutions like LipiFlow or OptiLight, along with supportive care at home.
Don’t Let Dry Eyes Get in the Way of a Spokane Summer
You deserve to enjoy summer without constantly rubbing your eyes or reaching for eye drops. With the right care and a few preventative habits, you can stay comfortable even in Spokane’s dry, hot climate.
