It’s that time of year again. Fall is here, which means apple picking, pumpkin spice everything, and cozy sweaters. While many people enjoy the change in seasons, others experience an unpleasant change: dry eyes. If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling drier as the temperatures drop, you may wonder why this is happening and what you can do to find relief. In this blog, we’ll share what’s behind the increase in dry eyes during this time of year as well as some tips for managing the symptoms.
Why are dry eyes more common in the fall?
One of the main reasons your eyes get drier in the fall is the lower humidity. As the air gets cooler, it also becomes drier, and your tears evaporate more quickly. Windy days are also more common in the fall, which can irritate your eyes even more.
However, it’s not just the outdoors that affects your eyes. As you turn on your indoor heating, the air inside your home or office also becomes drier, and that lack of moisture can make your eyes feel uncomfortable.
Fall allergies and dry eyes
Fall allergies can also worsen your symptoms. Ragweed pollen, dust, and mold from fallen leaves can irritate your eyes and cause inflammation. When your eyes are irritated, they may not produce as many tears or the right kind of tears, leading to dryness and discomfort.
If you struggle with both allergies and dry eyes, fall can be a challenging time for your eyes. Redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in your eyes can cause considerable discomfort and make it difficult to enjoy fall activities.
More screen time
As the days get shorter and colder, many people spend more time indoors, which means increased screen time. People blink less when staring at screens, leading to faster tear evaporation and dry eyes.
Finding relief from dry eyes
At Walter Eye Clinic, we offer dry eye treatment in Tinley Park, Illinois, to help you manage dry eyes during the fall and throughout the year. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief, and using a humidifier at home can add moisture back into the air. For more persistent or severe cases, we can recommend advanced treatments tailored to your specific needs to keep your eyes comfortable year-round.
If your eyes are feeling dry and irritated, our dedicated eye care team can provide you with the solutions you need to find lasting relief. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!
