Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions people experience, yet many don’t realize how much their daily surroundings can influence their symptoms. If your eyes often feel irritated, scratchy, or watery, it may not just be your eyes - it could be your environment. Let’s explore what dry eye is, how your environment plays a role, and what you can do to find relief.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, nourished, and protected. When that balance is disrupted, you may experience symptoms such as burning, redness, blurry vision, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
 

How Your Environment Can Worsen Dry Eye

Certain environmental conditions can trigger or intensify dry eye symptoms. Common culprits include:
 

•          Air conditioning and heating systems - These reduce humidity and dry out the air around you.

•          Wind and outdoor exposure - Whether from a windy day or driving with the windows down, airflow speeds up tear evaporation.

•          Screen time - Staring at digital devices reduces your blink rate, leaving your eyes less lubricated.

•          Low humidity - Dry climates or indoor spaces with little moisture in the air can worsen symptoms.
 

If you’ve noticed your eyes feel worse in specific environments, it’s likely your surroundings are playing a big role.
 

Other Contributing Causes

While your environment is important, other factors can contribute to dry eye, such as:
 

•          Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), aging, and hormonal changes

•          Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)

•          Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders

•          Contact lens wear

•          Eye surgery, such as LASIK
 

Understanding these causes alongside your environment helps your optometrist create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
 

What You Can Do to Manage Your Symptoms

There are several steps you can take to minimize environmental triggers and ease your symptoms:
 

•          Use a humidifier indoors to restore moisture to the air.

•          Take breaks from screens and practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

•          Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and UV exposure.

•          Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

•          Try artificial tears to help replenish moisture when your eyes feel dry.
 

When to See Your Optometrist

If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Our optometrist can identify the root cause of your dry eye and recommend personalized treatments such as prescription eye drops, in-office therapies, or lifestyle adjustments to bring you lasting relief.
 

Get Personalized Dry Eye Treatment at Opticore Optometry Group

Your environment plays a significant role in dry eye symptoms, but the good news is that with the right changes and professional guidance, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Paying attention to your surroundings and taking proactive steps can make a world of difference for your comfort and eye health.
 

At Opticore Optometry Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye with comprehensive care tailored to you. Visit our office in Chino, Redlands, Fontana, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Brea, or Buena Park, California, or call (866) 202-2221 to schedule a consultation today.