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The climate and your eyes

Like your skin, your eyes are constantly exposed to your environment. As a result, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight and air pollution can have an impact on your eyes and even interfere with vision.

A 2020 report found that different climates within the U.S. correlate with the severity of dry eye disease. The report utilized six different climate zones based on the three-letter Köppen classification system.

The report found that individuals in the semi-arid and sub-tropical desert zones faced significantly more dry eye than those from other climates. In the U.S. these zones are located largely in the southwest, mainly in Texas and parts of Arizona, Nevada, Utah and California.

Overall, the report found that an increase in the signs and symptoms of dry eye was associated with lower humidity. It was also noted that tear break up time (TBUT) was linked to daily weather.

Dry climates increase tear evaporation rates and decrease tear stability and production, TBUT, and lipid layer thickness. As a result, the surface of the eye can dry out faster between blinks and lead to irritation. Many people that live in these climates become desenitized to the symptoms of dryness and therefor don't always recognize the problem until it begins to effect visual function. 

Do you have chronic or temporary dry eyes?

Chronic dry eye is an ongoing eye condition typically caused by underlying health issues you can’t cure.

For example:

  • Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or Lupus, sufferers may struggle with chronic dry eye symptoms.
  • Chronic dry eye also increases based on age and gender (women tend to have a higher risk of developing chronic dry eye).

While, temporary dry eye does not cause the same persistent symptoms for a prolonged period of time.

Common causes can be:

  • Digital eye strain (can be lessened by Blinking more often and taking regular breaks)
  • Windy/Dusty environments ( as well as spending extended time near heating/air conditioning vents)

You’ll likely be able to manage the symptoms of temporary dry eye using preservative free eye drops, adjusting your environment, or simply giving your eyes a break.

Not everyone feels the symptoms of dry eye, nor are they always recognized as dry eye.

Common symptoms can be:

  • A stinging, burning, scratching sensation in your eyes
  • Dry/Gritty/sandy eyes
  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Tired eyes or eye fatigue
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Filmy vision
  • Feels like something in your eye

If you or someone you know is at risk for dry eye disease, contact us today!

"I am grateful for the expertise and comprehensive care I have received from Dr. Campbell and his staff.  The office has state of the art technology to provide the best outcome possible.  Dr Campbell is kind, compassionate and patient." -Anita

"I have some complicated eye problems. Dr Campbell took all the time necessary to identify my eye problems and come up with a couple different solutions! I really appreciate all his efforts and the time he gave me!! I would highly recommend him."  -Kristi
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