Spokane summers are beautiful, but they can be tough on your eyes.
Hot temperatures, low humidity, and environmental irritants can all contribute to dry eye in summer, leaving many people dealing with irritation, fatigue, and blurry vision. If your eyes feel gritty, burn more often, or water excessively during the warmer months, you are far from alone. These are some of the most common summer dry eye symptoms, especially in climates like Spokane’s.
The good news is that understanding why hot weather dry eyes happen can make prevention and treatment much more effective.
Why Does Dry Summer Air Make Dry Eye Worse?
In a summer dry climate, your eyes are exposed to high temperatures and very little moisture in the air. Dry summer air speeds up tear evaporation. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), healthy tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucin. These layers work together to lubricate the eye and maintain clear vision. When humidity is low, the watery layer of the tear film evaporates more quickly, which can leave the surface of the eye exposed and irritated.
This is why low humidity dry eyes are so common during Spokane summers. Without enough moisture in the air, your eyes struggle to maintain a stable tear film, even if you normally do not experience dry eye symptoms the rest of the year.
What Are the Most Common Summer Dry Eye Symptoms?
Dry eye can present differently for each person, but some symptoms appear frequently during the warmer months. Common summer dry eye symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- A gritty or scratchy feeling, as if something is in the eye
- Redness or inflammation
- Watery eyes caused by reflex tearing
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that redness and watering are hallmark symptoms of both dry eye and seasonal allergies, which can make summer symptoms feel more intense or confusing. As the AAO explains, “Red, watery eyes are the hallmark of both allergies and dry eye.”
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), “Allergies Linked to Dry Eye”
How Low Humidity and Air Conditioning Affect Tear Film
Spokane’s summer climate often combines outdoor dryness with indoor air conditioning, creating a perfect storm for tear film disruption. The AOA explains that environmental conditions such as wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation, while reduced blinking during focused tasks can worsen symptoms.
Air conditioning lowers indoor humidity, which can make air conditioning dry eyes especially noticeable in offices, homes, and vehicles. Over time, repeated tear film instability can contribute to ongoing irritation rather than temporary discomfort.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Dry Eye in Summer?
Preventing dry eye in summer starts with reducing tear evaporation and protecting the eyes from environmental stressors. Helpful strategies include:
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses to block wind and sun
- Staying well hydrated to support tear production
- Using wide-brimmed hats outdoors
- Limiting exposure to smoke, pollen, and dust when possible
These habits can make a meaningful difference when learning how to prevent dry eye in summer, especially for those prone to hot weather dry eyes.
Do Eye Drops Really Help with Summer Dry Eye?
Artificial tears are often the first step in managing seasonal symptoms, and when used correctly, they can be very effective. The AOA explains that artificial tear solutions help supplement natural tear production and support eye comfort. Preservative-free options are often recommended because they reduce the risk of irritation with frequent use.
However, eye drops alone do not address every cause of dry eye. While the best eye drops for dry air can relieve symptoms, persistent dryness may signal an underlying condition that requires professional care.
How Indoor A/C Can Trigger Evaporative Dry Eye
Air conditioning can significantly contribute to air conditioning dry eyes, especially during long workdays. Reduced humidity, combined with screen use and decreased blinking, increases evaporative stress on the tear film.
To reduce indoor irritation:
- 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
These steps can help limit tear evaporation and improve overall comfort.
When Summer Dry Eye Is a Sign of Dry Eye Disease
Occasional irritation during summer heat is common. However, when symptoms persist or worsen, they may indicate Dry Eye Disease rather than temporary seasonal dryness.
The AOA describes dry eye as a condition that occurs when tear production and tear quality are not in balance, emphasizing that it is often chronic and requires professional diagnosis. Left untreated, advanced dry eye can damage the surface of the eye and affect vision.
At Eyes for Life, our Dry Eye Relief Clinic in Spokane uses advanced diagnostics, including LipiScan imaging, the SPEED Questionnaire, InflammaDry, and TearLab Osmolarity testing, to identify the root cause of symptoms. From there, we create personalized treatment plans that may include in-office therapies such as LipiFlow or OptiLight, along with customized at-home care.
Don’t Let Dry Eyes Get in the Way of a Spokane Summer
You deserve to enjoy summer without constant irritation or discomfort. With the right prevention strategies and expert care, managing dry eye in summer is absolutely possible.
If summer dry eye symptoms are interfering with your daily life, Eyes for Life is here to help. Schedule an appointment with our Dry Eye Relief Clinic and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision all season long.
Sources
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2015, April 27). Allergies linked to dry eye.
Reviewed by Devin A. Harrison, MD.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/allergies-linked-to-dry-eye
American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Dry eye.
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye
