How to Cope with Dry Eye in Summer

Does your Dry Eye feel worse in summer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people are aware of the risk of dry eyes in winter, due to the harsh, cold weather conditions. Whilst Dry Eye Syndrome is usually worse for patients in winter and spring, it can also be triggered by warm, dry weather in the summer months. [1]

In this article, our Dry Eye expert covers the causes of that itchy feeling in the summer months and lists seven tips to avoid dry, sore, itchy eyes.

Can Dry Eye be worse in the summer?

Dry eyes can often feel worse in summer, as warm weather can cause the tear film to evaporate from your eyes. [2] While the air is more humid which can provide relief to some of the symptoms and you’re less likely to spend days staring at screens, summertime activities like swimming can actually aggravate the condition.

Here are some of the causes of dry eyes in summer:

 

 

Dry air

Dry air means dry eyes! In summer, researchers actually see a dip in Dry Eye cases in America. This is due to increased humidity, which adds moisture into the air. [3] However, this isn’t the case in many other places.

 

 

The sun

The summer sun can feel lovely, but can also be very harmful. UV rays can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate, making your eyes very dry. [2]

 

 

Air conditioning

Although not regularly seen across the UK, an air-conditioned room is common part of any hot holiday. Air conditioning reduces the amount of humidity and moisture in the air, which can dry out your eyes. The cold temperatures can also reduce the ability of meibomian glands to secrete oils that prevent tears from evaporating. [2]

 

 

Allergies

Hay fever season runs between late March and September, which crosses over the summer months. [4] Many people who suffer from Dry Eye also suffer from allergies, so hay fever season can be a tough time. [1]

Find out more about Dry Eye and hay fever here: How Does Hayfever Season Affect Dry Eye Sufferers?

 

 

Dehydration

Do you drink enough liquids in summer? It can be easy to forget to drink enough in summer, which can lead to dehydration. When we’re dehydrated, our body prioritises using water for important factors like brain function. This means that our dry eyes can get left behind, unable to make enough healthy tears. [2]

 

BBQs

Summer isn’t complete without a barbeque gathering! However, if you have dry eyes, you should avoid being the one on the grill. If you get smoke in your eyes, it can make them red, and cause itching and burning sensations. [5]

 

Swimming pools

The best way to cool down after a hot summer day is in a cold pool! Whether you’re on holiday or in the garden, relaxing in the cold water is much-needed. But, the chlorine in pools can actually wash away your tear film, increasing Dry Eye symptoms. [6]

 

 

Alcohol

Did you know that more people drink alcohol in summer? According to a study published in the Journals of Studies on Alcohol, summer and Christmas are the most popular times to drink alcohol. [7] With many people going on all-inclusive holidays and a higher number of people socialising, this isn’t surprising. Alcohol should be approached with caution, though, as it makes it harder for the body to produce enough tears to hydrate your eyes. [8]

You can find out more about the effect of alcohol on dry eyes in our blog: Is Drinking Alcohol Bad For Your Eyes?

 

How can you get rid of Dry Eye Syndrome in the summer?

Are you wondering how to keep your eyes cool in summer? Follow these tips to help!

 

 

1. Stay hydrated

Eyes become dry when they are dehydrated, just like the rest of the body. In summer, when the weather is warmer, we need to drink more liquids – especially when we exercise. Researchers state that this is because our body tries to cool itself down by sweating, so water is lost. [9]

If you’re suffering from dry, itchy eyes, experts recommend drinking between 8 and 10 glasses of water a day to prevent flare-ups during warmer weather. [10]

 

 

2. Wear wraparound glasses to combat Dry Eye

Wearing sunglasses when out and about helps to protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and dirt. Wraparound sunglasses for dry eyes are ideal to protect them from the elements in summer. Make sure the sunglasses have at least 98% UV protection to keep your eyes from feeling sore and itchy when you’re outside. [11]

 

 

3. Use a heated compress at night

If you are suffering from Evaporative Dry Eye, or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a heated compress, such as MeiboPatch®, will be ideal for unblocking your meibomian glands and help minimise dry eyes at night. [12]

Browse our MeiboPatch® solution here: MeiboPatch®

 

 

4. Always wear goggles when swimming

Wherever you are this summer, your well-deserved break will hopefully include a relaxing swim in the pool or the sea.
If you submerge your head underwater whilst swimming, it’s important to always wear goggles. The chlorine in swimming pools and the salt in seawater can irritate the eyes, causing existing Dry Eye symptoms to worsen. [13]

 

 

5. Take vitamins

There are certain vitamins and minerals that boost eye health, which can help if you suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome.
Adding vitamins which boost eye health into your diet, combined with a regular treatment plan, can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. With many fresh fruit and vegetables in season, summer is the perfect time to try and eat more foods which are rich in Vitamin C, E and D. [14]

Read more about vitamins for dry eyes here: 6 Vitamins for Dry Eyes

 

 

6. Put a humidifier in your home to ease Dry Eye

If you suffer from itchy, red, sore or watery eyes, getting a humidifier is a great idea to ease your symptoms. A humidifier helps combat the warm, dry heat of summer months to lubricate your eyes.

If you struggle with night-time dry eyes in the summer, putting the humidifier in your bedroom can help relieve symptoms. [15]

For more lifestyle changes you can make, visit this blog: 6 Lifestyle Tips to Help Dry Eye

 

 

7. Use eye drops for dry eye

If you’re planning on taking a trip, don’t leave without your eye drops, as an uncomfortable flare-up could ruin your holiday.

Use long lasting eye drops for dry eyes, like VisuXL® eye drops can help provide relief for irritating symptoms such as dry, itchy, red, sore or watery eyes. VisuXL® eye drops in particular can help to provide more symptomatic relief than a standard eye drop can provide.

Other eye drops on the market are linear Hyaluronic Acid drops, whereas VisuXL® is a patented formula. In VisuXL® eye drops, Hyaluronic Acid is crossed-linked so that it doesn’t wash away easily when blinking. Instead, it remains on the eye for longer. It also forms a net on the surface of the eye, to help the second key ingredient, CoQ10, to repair damaged cells. [16]

Hopefully, these top tips will help you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine this summer, without having to worry about dry eyes.

Get prepared for Dry Eye and summer with our VisuXL® Eye Drops, which you can browse here: VisuXL® Eye Drops

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

References

1. Kumar, N., Feuer, W., Lanza, N. L., & Galor, ‘A, Seasonal Variation in Dry Eye’, Ophthalmology, 122(8), pp. 1727-1729, 01/08/16. Accessed May 2022.
2. East Main Vision Clinic, ‘Why is Dry Eye Worse in Summer?’, 22/07/20. Accessed February 2023.
3. Complete Eye Care of Medina. ‘Which Season Has The Greatest Impact On Dry Eyes?’. Accessed December 2022.
4. NHS England. ‘Hay fever’, 04/02/21. Accessed December 2022.
5. Dr. Aizman Empire Retina Consultants. ‘The Effects That Smoke Can Have On Your Eyes’. Accessed February 2023.
6. Nicole Holliman. ‘Managing Dry Eyes During Summer Months’, WebMd, 11/05/22. Accessed February 2023.
7. D G Uitenbroek. ‘Seasonal variation in alcohol use’, National Library of Medicine, 1996 Jan;57(1):47-52. Accessed February 2023.
8. You, Young-Sheng, Qu, Nai-Bin, Yu, Xiao-Ning, ‘Alcohol consumption and dry eye syndrome: a Meta-analysis’, International Journal of Ophthalmology, 2016; 9(10): 1487–1492. Accessed December 2021.
9. Krempa, F. ‘Experts Say You Should Drink This Much More Water Per Day When It’s Hot Outside’, 05/07/21. Accessed February 2023.
10. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes’. Accessed Sep 2021.
11. Theriot, P, ‘The Best Sunglasses for Dry Eye Sufferers’. Accessed May 2022.
12. MeiboPatch® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed May 2022.
13. Specsavers Opticas, ‘Expat vision care: Can sea and sun exposure cause dry eyes?’, Specsavers Opticas. Accessed May 2022.
14. Meixner, M, ‘The 9 Most Important Vitamins for Eye Health’, Healthline, 25/07/18. Accessed January 2022.
15. Higuera, V, ‘Creating a Healthy Morning and Night-time Routine for Chronic Dry Eyes’, Healthline. Accessed May 2022.
16. VisuXL® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed May 2022.

How Does Hayfever Season Affect Dry Eye Sufferers?

For many of us, the joy of spring also equals hayfever season, which can mean watery, itchy eyes.

For Dry Eye sufferers, this season can be doubly difficult, as pollen allergies combined with Dry Eye symptoms can cause extra discomfort.[1]

This blog explains what Dry Eye is, how allergies can affect it, and what treatment you can seek if you are suffering from chronic itchy, irritated eyes in hayfever season.

Index: 

• • What is Dry Eye Disease?
  • Why can Dry Eye symptoms sometimes feel worse in spring?
  • When is hayfever season?
  • Can hayfever cause blurry vision?
  • Do I have hay fever eyes or Dry Eyes?
  • What can I do to ease Dry Eye and hay fever eye symptoms?
  • What are the best eye drops for hayfever?

What is Dry Eye Disease? 

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition, where patients experience itchy, gritty, irritated or watery eyes.[2] One in four people in the UK suffer from Dry Eye, and whilst it is usually not very serious, the symptoms can be frustrating and impact people’s quality of life.[3]

Why can Dry Eye symptoms sometimes feel worse in spring? 

Many people who suffer from Dry Eye also suffer from allergies, so there is much crossover between the two. Existing symptoms such as redness, soreness, burning or stinging, itchiness, and blurry vision are more likely to get worse in the spring when pollen allergies are most prevalent.[4]

When is hayfever season?

According to a study by Kleenex UK and Allergy UK, 49% of the UK population suffer from hay fever. This means that hayfever season impacts a huge amount of people.

Hayfever season is usually between late March and September, when the pollen count is high. It is even worse when it’s warm, humid and windy.[5]

You can be aware of the pollen count by looking on websites like BBC Weather. These can help you to plan ahead to be more cautious when hayfever season comes.

Can hayfever cause blurry vision?

Yes! In most cases of hay fever, your eyes will be very watery. This might result in blurry vision, but this should soon pass.[6] There are also lots more symptoms of hay fever, which you can find below.

Do I have hay fever eyes or Dry Eye?

If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, its hard to tell whether you have Dry Eye Syndrome or hay fever eyes. The main difference between hay fever eyes and Dry Eyes is that itching is more intense with hay fever. There are also more physical factors that come with hay fever eyes, like sneezing and having a runny nose. [7]

Dry Eye symptoms are:

• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Achey eyes
• Eyes that feel heavy
• Eyes that feel sore
• Eyes that feel gritty or sandy
• Red eyes
• Blurry eyes
• Fatigue
• Eyes that are sensitive to light
• Eyes that are more watery than normal

Hay fever eyes and hay fever symptoms include:

• Intensely itchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Itchy throat, mouth and ears
• Cough
• Loss of sense of smell
• Facial pain
• Ache in head and ears
• Tiredness and fatigue [8]

If you’re still struggling to find out the cause of your dry eye, visit our blog: 6 Causes of Dry Eye

What can I do to ease Dry Eye and hay fever eye symptoms? 

There are many ways that you can ease your symptoms. Here are some of them:

• Avoid triggers
• Take antihistamine eye drops
• Use eye drops
• Use a compress
• Don’t keep fresh flowers
• Use Vaseline
• Shower
• Don’t walk on grass
• Change your pollen filters
• Clean your house
• Keep the outside, outside
• Avoid smoke
• Don’t dry your clothes outside

• Avoid triggers

It may sound simple, but if you know that you suffer from pollen, dust or pet allergies, do your best to avoid irritants. Pollen allergies are hard to avoid when going outside in the spring, but checking the pollen count on apps such as Apple Weather or BBC Weather can be a good idea.

Wearing wrap-around sunglasses outside during hayfever season also helps to mitigate Dry Eye symptoms.[9]

• Take antihistamine eye drops

Antihistamines can be a good way to minimise allergy symptoms. However, some oral antihistamines can actually dry the eyes out even further, making Dry Eye symptoms worse.[10]

Therefore, many experts recommend topical allergy treatments, such as antihistamine gels or eye drops, as they can reduce irritation more effectively.

If your allergy symptoms persist and become severe, it’s a good idea to consult your GP.

• Use eye drops

Eye drops can soothe eyes that are itchy and irritated from allergies like hayfever, and Dry Eye Disease. Artificial tears are one type of eye drop that is readily available over the counter and can help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes.[11]

• Use a compress

To soothe your eyes, use an eye compress such as MeiboPatch® twice a day. Apply it to your upper face, over your eyes, for a break from the elements.[12]

You can buy MeiboPatch® here: MeiboPatch®

• Don’t keep fresh flowers

If you have hay fever, you should avoid keeping fresh flowers in your house.[5] Even if they are cut, they can still release pollen into the air and irritate your eyes. [13] If you would still like to have a bunch of flowers in your home, there are many fake plant options out there to help you decorate.

• Use Vaseline

The NHS recommends this treatment! If you put Vaseline around your nostrils, it can trap pollen before you can inhale it. Just make sure that you take it off at the end of the day, before you go to bed.[5]

• Shower 

Pollen can cling to your clothes and skin, so you should always shower and wash your clothes immediately after being outside. This can get rid of these allergens, to prevent a hay fever flare-up at night.[14]

• Don’t walk on grass

If you have hay fever, you should avoid grass at all costs! Although keeping lawns short can lower the chances of grass releasing pollen, this isn’t a responsibility you should take on yourself.[15] To avoid any allergy triggers, you should let someone else mow your grass for you and avoid going outside whilst this is underway. You should also avoid walking on grass, to prevent getting pollen stuck to your shoes and bringing it into your house.[5]

• Change your pollen filters

A pollen filter goes in your air vents and cleans the air that comes into your car, rejecting dirt, dust and exhaust fumes, as well as pollen. Many modern cars come with filters built-in, but most vehicle manufacturers recommend that you get a mechanic to change them every two years – or more if you live in a very pollen-heavy area. It is a good idea to change your pollen filter in winter so that you’re ready for hayfever season ahead of time.[16]

• Clean your house

As well as keeping yourself clean, you should also make sure that your house is clear of any allergens that could irritate your hay fever eyes. The NHS recommends that you vacuum your house regularly and dust around with a damp cloth.[5] This can remove dust and allergens from your carpets and surfaces.[17] Lloyds Pharmacy recommends that you should try to use a vacuum that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter, which can clear the air thoroughly.[18]

• Keep the outside, outside

It can be tempting to open your windows as spring creeps in, but this can invite allergens into your home. Therefore, it’s best to keep your windows and doors shut at this time of year.[5]

• Avoid smoke

Cigarette smoke is a huge irritant of Dry Eye Disease, as the harmful chemicals break down the layer of tears in our eyes. This causes eyes to be dry and irritated.[19] As hay fever can dry out eyes too, smoke can make them even drier.

If you do smoke, it is a good idea to stop smoking. Non-smokers should also avoid smoking areas and other places where second-hand smoke is prominent. 

For more information on smoking and Dry Eye, visit our blog: Smoking and Dry Eye

• Don’t dry your clothes outside

If you suffer from extreme hay fever and Dry Eyes, it is best to dry your clothes inside, no matter the weather. This is because pollen can stick to clothing, sheets and more.[20]

If you have to put your washing outside, Professor Adam Fox, Paediatric Allergist working at a leading London teaching hospital and the President of British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology, suggests that you should hang your washing out at times when the pollen count is low. He states that pollen rises early in the morning, and falls back down at dusk, so it is best to put washing outside in the middle of the day.

What are the best eye drops for hayfever?

Eye drops are a great way to help soothe and treat hay fever eyes. We have a range of eye drop recommendations just for you.

VisuXL® Eyedrops

Use up to two eye drops a day for long-lasting relief from Dry Eye flare-ups caused by hay fever.[21]

You can buy these eye drops here: VisuXL® Eye Drops

VisuXL® Gel

Gel eye drops, like VisuXL® Gel, can provide a thicker moisture barrier, helping to lubricate your eyes for up to 12 hours. They can be used day and night, to help with irritation.[22][23][24]
You can buy this eye gel here: VisuXL® Gel

For more information on Dry Eye and hay fever, follow us on social media.

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

References

1. Davis, J. A., Ousler, G. W., III, Langelier, N. A., Schindelar, M. R., Abelson, R., & Abelson, M.B. (2006, May). Seasonal changes in dry eye symptomatology. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 47(13), 280. Accessed January 2022.
2. NHS England. ‘Dry Eyes’. Accessed January 2022.
3. Wimpole Eye Clinic. ‘Why Are My Eyes So Scratchy and Dry’. Accessed January 2022.
4. Kumar, N., Feuer, W., Lanza, N. L., & Galor, A. (2016, August 1). ‘Seasonal variation in dry eye’. Ophthalmology, 122(8), 1727-1729. Accessed January 2022.
5. NHS England. ‘Hay fever’, 04/02/21. Accessed December 2022.
6. Essilor. ‘How does hayfever affect your eyes’. Accessed December 2022.
7. Dean McGee Eye Institute. ‘How to Tell the Difference Between Dry Eye and Allergies’. Accessed December 2022.
8. Nidirect. ‘Hay fever’. Accessed December 2022.
9. Mangan, B Richard. ‘When Allergy and Dry Eye Collide’, Review of Optometry. Accessed January 2022.
10. Ousler GW 3rd, Workman DA, Torkildsen GL. ‘An open-label, investigator-masked, crossover study of the ocular drying effects of two antihistamines, topical epinastine and systemic loratadine, in adult volunteers with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.’ Clin Ther. 2007 Apr;29(4):611-6. Accessed January 2022.
11. Alaina, L. ‘Artificial Tears: How to Select Eye Drops for Dry Eyes’, Mayo Clinic. Accessed Jan 2022.
12. MebioPatch Instructions For Use (IFU). Accessed December 2022.
13. Air Things. ‘What is Pollen?’. Accessed December 2022.
14. Forefront Dermatology. ‘6 Tips to Help Control Your Hay Fever Symptoms’. Accessed December 2022.
15. Medical News Today. ‘How to identify a grass allergy’, 01/06/2020. Accessed December 2022.
16. Big Box Cars. ‘Why Do You Need to Change Your Pollen Filter?’. Accessed December 2022.
17. SharkClean. ‘5 Cleaning Tips for Hay Fever Sufferers’. Accessed December 2022.
18. Lloyds Pharmacy. ‘How to minimise the symptoms of hay fever’, 07/07/22. Accessed December 2022.
19. Jyothi Thomas, George P. Jacob, Lekha Abraham, and Babu Noushad. ‘The effect of smoking on the ocular surface and the precorneal tear film’, Australas Med J. 2012; 5(4): 221–226. Accessed December 2022.
20. National Allergy. ‘Laundry Advice For Allergy Sufferers’, 02/01/14. Accessed December 2022.
21. VisuXL Eye Drops Instructions For Use (IFU). Accessed December 2022.
22. Dresden, Danielle. ‘Some of the Best Gel Eye Drops for Dry Eyes for 2022’, Medical News Today, 13/10/21. Accessed January 2022.
23. VisuXL Gel Instructions For Use (IFU).Accessed December 2022.
24. Brancato R, Fiore T, Papucci L, et al. ‘Concomitant Effect of Topical Ubiquinone Q10 and Vitamin E to Prevent Keratocyte Apoptosis After Excimer Laser Photoablation in Rabbits’. J Refract Surg 2002; 18: 135-9. Accessed January 2022.