As summer settles in and temperatures climb, eye care professionals warn that dry eye symptoms can become more common. The surface of the eye relies on a steady supply of tears to stay healthy, comfortable, and free from irritation, and hotter days can disrupt this delicate balance.
At Hospitén Roca, a leading specialist noted that tears must be of good quality and properly balanced to provide effective lubrication. When tears lack the right composition, the eye can dry out more quickly, leading to discomfort. This condition affects a significant portion of adults over forty, with roughly six in ten women and four in ten men reporting symptoms at various times in their lives.
Common signs point to dry eye, including a persistent sense of dryness, a feeling of a foreign body inside the eye, burning or stinging, a tired or gritty sensation after long tasks, irritation, and sensitivity to bright light. In some cases, vision may blur temporarily, or the eyes may water in response to irritation, which can be confusing for people who expect moisture to stay constant.
Weather conditions can intensify the problem. When humidity drops, temperatures rise, and dust circulates in the air, the eye surface becomes more prone to evaporation. Such changes may worsen symptoms for anyone whose eyes are already vulnerable, including contact lens wearers, outdoor workers, and people who spend long hours in front of screens without adequate breaks.
Additional risk factors can trigger or worsen dry eye. Hormonal influences, aging, and systemic health conditions play a role, and certain medicines may contribute to dryness. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy have been linked to decreased tear production or altered tear quality. Autoimmune diseases, recent eye surgeries, and environmental factors such as dusty rooms or highly air-conditioned spaces also raise the risk. Wearing contacts can exacerbate symptoms by reducing tear film stability and increasing evaporation.
Preventive steps begin with early awareness. If any of the described symptoms appear, it is wise to consult an ophthalmologist who can assess tear quality and quantity and recommend actions to protect eye health. Management may involve a combination of lifestyle changes and therapeutic options tailored to the individual. Simple habits such as using a humidifier, reducing screen time with regular breaks, and wearing protective eyewear in bright sun can help.