Summer doesn’t just warm up your skin — it can dry out your eyes, too. From sunscreen fumes and air conditioning to bright sunlight and dust, summer hits your eyes harder than you’d think.
At Dolman Eyecare Centre in New Hamburg, we help patients manage the symptoms of dry eye all year, but the summer months bring their own set of challenges. Let’s talk about what happens and what you can do to stay comfortable.
Why Summer Makes Dry Eye Worse
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears they do make evaporate too quickly. During the summer, environmental triggers make this more likely to happen — especially if you’re already prone to dry eye. Heat, low humidity, strong wind, and air-conditioned spaces all contribute to moisture loss, creating the perfect storm for eye irritation.
Some of the biggest summer culprits include:
- Air conditioners (constant airflow dehydrates the tear film)
- Sunglasses that don’t block wind or UV rays
- Chlorinated pool water
- Outdoor allergens like pollen and dust
- Excess screen time during hot indoor days
If your eyes feel sandy, itchy, red, or watery, it might not be allergies — it could be dry eye syndrome.
What You Can Do to Prevent Dry Eye Flare-Ups
You don’t need to stay indoors all summer to protect your eyes. Minor adjustments can help keep your tear film stable and your vision comfortable:
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s natural tear production. Omega-3 fatty acids — found in flaxseed, chia, and fish like salmon — can also help support the oil layer of your tears and reduce evaporation.
Control Your Environment.
Avoid having fans or air conditioning vents blowing directly into your face. If you drive frequently, consider adding a vent deflector or adjusting airflow in the car. Indoors, use a humidifier to help balance dry air.
Wear Protective Eyewear
Choose wraparound sunglasses with UV protection when you’re outside. These block wind, dust, and pollen while also shielding your eyes from harmful rays.
Use Screens Mindfully
Digital devices reduce blink rates, which dries your eyes faster. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Blinking fully and often can help refresh the surface of the eyes.
Real Treatment for Real Relief: Dry Eye Care at Dolman Eyecare Centre
If your dry eye symptoms persist despite your best efforts, it’s time to get support. At Dolman Eyecare Centre, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment options, ensuring you’re not limited to over-the-counter drops that barely work. Our treatments target the root causes of dry eye, not just its symptoms. We offer a range of evidence-backed solutions, including:
- Heat therapy to unblock meibomian glands and improve tear quality
- Meibography imaging for accurate assessment of oil gland health
- In-office hot compresses for short-term and preventive care
- Prescription-strength eye drops tailored to your eye surface needs
- Lifestyle and environmental guidance based on your daily routine
- Scleral contact lenses that contain a liquid reservoir to provide comfort
Our New Hamburg optometrists take the time to assess what’s causing your symptoms and work with you to develop a personalized care plan that feels right for you. Whether you need occasional relief or consistent care, we’re ready to help your eyes feel better and function properly.
Feel the Difference This Summer with Dry Eye Treatment in New Hamburg, ON
You shouldn’t have to spend your summer rubbing your eyes, dodging fans, or wondering if that gritty sensation will ever go away. At Dolman Eyecare Centre, our eye doctors treat dry eye with the same thorough, personalized approach we bring to every comprehensive eye exam. If your summer comfort is being compromised by irritated, tired, or watery eyes, we’re here to provide lasting solutions — not just temporary fixes.
Our practice is known throughout New Hamburg for knowledgeable care, experienced staff, and prompt service. Book your eye care appointment to take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision — all season long.