Seasonal changes bring about a shift in different environmental factors. These include humidity, temperature, and wind. These factors can affect your body, especially your eyes. During summertime, the temperature is hot, and the air can be dry.

You will notice that your eyes may become red, itchy, and painful. It makes it difficult to see, and you may also experience light sensitivity. These are symptoms of dry eyes.

What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not have enough tears. It may be due to the low production of tears or the production of low-quality tears. Tears are vital to the eyes. They provide lubrication and protect the eyes from bacteria, dust, and pollen.

How Do You Prevent Dry Eyes in the Summertime?

Some people dread summertime because of the pain it causes them with dry eyes. However, there are ways to prevent the condition from tarnishing your summer. Here are seven ways to do that.

Hydrate Your Eyes

Keep your eyes moist. Make sure to drink plenty of water. When you hydrate your body, it also extends to the eyes. It improves the quantity and quality of your tears. Your eyes acquire lubrication, and you do not have to suffer from dry eyes.

Get an Eye Lubricant

Getting an eye lubricant does not mean you should not hydrate. However, an eye lubricant is a good idea if you find yourself in a windy or dry area. They are easily accessible and will help supplement your eye lubrication.

Check Your Diet

Altering your diet and adding foods is also an effective way of preventing dry eyes. These foods will help lubricate your eyes and keep them healthy. They contain vitamins and fatty acids that help in tear production. 

They include:

 

• Fatty fish
   

• Walnuts
   

• Chia seeds
   

• Flaxseeds
   

• Soybean

You can also supplement with fish oil, flaxseed oil, palm oil, or soybean oil. Salmon is an ideal source of these fatty acids. You can grill it over summer and add it to your diet for high-quality eye lubrication.

Resting Your Eyes

As simple as it sounds, it is highly effective in preventing dry eyes during summertime. Just close your eyes for a few minutes as you rest and relax your body. Keep your digital gadgets away and do not read a book or do anything that requires your sight. Close your eyes and rest. It will give your eyes a chance to regain their lubrication.

Wash Your Eyes

Washing your eyes helps get rid of dust, pollen, and other things that may irritate you. It is also vital to wash your hands when you get into the house from the outside. Avoid touching your face until you wash your hands. You may transfer some of these irritants to your eyes.

Avoid Air Conditioning

As tempting as it may be, avoid air conditioning. It will make your tears evaporate fast. You should also avoid driving with your window down or riding your bike. Wear the proper eye protection if you need to.

Wear Eye Protection

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They will also act as a windbreaker and prevent the sun from drying out your eyes. They protect them from exposure that causes your tears to evaporate.

For more information on dry eyes, visit Clarity Vision at our offices in Clayton, North Carolina. Call (919) 550-4801 today to schedule an appointment.