Calgary’s dry climate is wonderful for your hair, but if you’re someone suffering from dry eye, the spring and summer months can be particularly challenging. Low humidity, combined with ample mountain winds and dust picked up from surrounding farmland, can really play havoc with your dry eye symptoms.
Every spring/summer we see a lot of new patients with new or reinvigorated dry eye symptoms, often brought on by our arid air or the use of oral antihistamines. We understand how frustrating this is, especially when relief seems hard to find.
We are experts in dry eye in the Calgary & Didsbury areas. Over the years we have helped thousands of people just like you find relief from their troublesome symptoms.
Ways to Combat Your Dry Eye Symptoms
For dry eye, we tend to start with the three tips below (unless your particular case is more serious or has been long-term).
Take Control of Your Environment
As mentioned earlier, dry eye is influenced by environmental causes. These can include:
- Ambient humidity – Calgary’s low-humidity climate can worsen existing symptoms (or introduce new ones). This is because moisture is more likely to evaporate in an area with dry air. We recommend using humidifiers to increase your indoor humidity levels to the 50% – 60% range.
- Avoid wind and dust – In particular, on windy days we advise that you stay indoors. In addition to promoting rapid tear evaporation, wind carries a lot of dust with it that will get into your eyes and exacerbate your symptoms.
- Stay away from smoky areas, including areas with cigarette smoke – Smoke is a known eye irritant in those without dry eye; if you have dry eye, smoke is almost certainly going to make you feel worse.
Protect Your Eyes Whenever Possible
Wearing UV blocking glasses and sunglasses is a simple way to protect your eyes. Blocking UV rays is beneficial for your eyes in its own right (UV rays are linked with various eye diseases, from certain types of cataracts to the development of some eye cancers). In the case of dry eye, their biggest benefit is that they protect your eyes from wind and the particulates carried by it. Think of them as a stylish shield against the windy elements.
Work With An Optometrist That Specializes in Dry Eye Treatment
We can provide an array of treatments designed to provide relief from the symptoms associated with dry eyes. This is done in a variety of ways, from artificial tears to punctal plugs. Dry eye therapy is a partnership, where we always consider your needs and how you are responding.
Don’t think that you need to figure this out on your own- this is what we’re here for.
