Take Care of Your Dry Eye This Spring

Have you ever walked outside and started wondering why your eyes were becoming irritated? Many people experience dry eye throughout the year, but it can become especially prevalent during springtime. Learn more about dry eye and what you can do to enjoy the weather again. 

What is dry eye? 

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not supply enough moisture, leading to irritation, light sensitivity, and redness. If left untreated, this condition can lead to blurry or reduced vision and infections among other serious consequences.  

What are common causes of dry eye? 

As you age, your tear production can diminish, leading to more occurrences of dry eye.  Those who are vitamin A deficient are also at risk, as are those who smoke, use medications like antihistamines, or have conditions that cause reduced blinking such as Parkinson’s disease. Contact lens wearers can exacerbate their dry eye by sleeping with their lenses in or not replenishing their moisture. 

Can spring make dry eyes worse? 

While dry eye can happen during any season, spring can make this condition even worse with allergy season. Sensitivities to pollen, ragweed, and pet dander can irritate the eyes to the point of moisture reduction with your probability of exposure increasing as you spend more time outside. 

How do you treat dry eye? 

Treating dry eyes in the springtime might seem to be tricky at first glance. After all, antihistamines used to treat your allergy symptoms might inadvertently make your dry eyes worse. However, you can reduce your exposure to allergens at home by cleaning your areas of exposure such as your bed and clothing and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. 

For dry eye in general, you can rely on artificial tears to moisten your eyes, along with anti-inflammatory medication. If your dry eye is due to constant screen usage, taking periodic breaks can help relax your eyes and prevent long periods of constant staring. 

Dr. Ernest Bhend, a CEENTA ophthalmologist from our Fort Mill office, offers additional advice regarding treatment options. "I advise patients not to rub or wipe at the eyes as this can irritate the surface of the eyes and the eyelids. Also, avoid the redness relief drops like Visine or Clear-Eyes as the medicine that constricts the blood vessels can actually irritate the eyes over time and make the symptoms worse.”

Are you ready to take part in your outside hobbies again without worrying about dry eye? Our team of ophthalmologists across nearly twenty CEENTA offices can determine the causes of your dry eye along with treatment options to help your eyes feel refreshed again. Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Bhend at our Fort Mill location today for your personalized dry eye treatment.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.