How Seasonal Changes Can Affect Your Dry Eyes

You’ve probably heard people say they get a runny nose or scratchy throat during “allergy season,” but did you know seasonal changes can also cause dry eyes? As autumn approaches, you may want to know how seasonal allergies can impact your eyes.

Can changing seasons cause it?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this is a common condition where your eyes don’t produce the right type of tears or tear film. Although you may have dry eyes at any point during the year, the National Institutes of Health report that cases of dry eye increase as the summer season ends and the fall season begins.

How do you know if you have it?

The AAO says the symptoms of dry eyes may include:

• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes, especially if you try to wear contact lenses
• Scratchy, irritated, or gritty feeling
• Mucus builds up in or around the eyes
• Red eyes
• Tearing eyes — This is possible even if you have dry eyes because your eyes will produce more tears to try to combat the problem

How can you reduce seasonal allergies causing dry eyes?

The AAO recommends some of these easy tips to help reduce the symptom of dry eyes:

• Change your home’s air filters regularly to catch allergens like dust
• Try over-the-counter allergy medicines (antihistamines)
• In the winter, a humidifier can help add moisture into your home’s drier air
• In the spring and summer, wear goggles during yard work
• Switch to eyeglasses instead of contact lenses during the seasons which impact your eyes the most

You should also check out our blog on other easy ways to relieve dry eyes.

How can you order eyeglasses online to alleviate dry eyes?

Wearing contacts can be painful when you have dry eyes during certain seasons, so experts recommend switching to eyeglasses until your allergies subside.

Try using VisionCheck from the convenience of your home to find your EyeGlass Numbers (the same type of numbers that make up your eyeglass prescription) and your pupillary distance so you can order glasses online.