No, sunlight generally does not help dry eyes; in fact, direct and prolonged exposure often makes dry eye symptoms worse. The sun's heat, dry air, wind, and UV rays can all contribute to increased tear evaporation and eye irritation.
Direct sunlight: Increases tear evaporation and eye strain. Wind exposure: From beach days to breezy hikes, wind strips moisture from the eye's surface. Air conditioner: Indoor cooling systems can dry out the air, and this can affect your eyes.
You may be able to manage your dry eyes with frequent eyelid washing and use of nonprescription eye drops or other products that help lubricate your eyes. If your condition is long term (chronic), use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.
Summer: Heat, Air Conditioning, and Sun Exposure
Hot air accelerates tear evaporation, while air conditioning creates a double problem by blasting cold, dry air directly across your face. Long days outdoors also mean more exposure to UV rays, which can inflame and irritate the surface of the eyes.
Place a cool-mist humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. Do not use fans while your child sleeps. If your child usually wears contact lenses, have your child use rewetting drops or wear glasses until the eyes feel better.
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent the development of this condition.
Studies show that consuming omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate tear production and create quality tears that lubricate your eyes more effectively. Consider supplementing your diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which are naturally found in foods like salmon, sardines, anchovies, and flax seeds.
Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air. Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear.
The 10-10-10 rule for eyes is a simple strategy to combat digital eye strain: every 10 minutes, take a 10-second break and look at something at least 10 feet away, giving your eyes a rest from near-focus on screens. This practice helps prevent eye fatigue, dryness, and headaches by allowing eye muscles to relax and encouraging blinking, which is often reduced during screen use, says Healthline and Brinton Vision.
If you suffer from chronic dry eye, the best climate tends to be:
What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?
Dry skin often responds well to lifestyle measures, such as using moisturizers and avoiding long, hot showers and baths. If you have very dry skin, your doctor may recommend a moisturizing product formulated for your needs.
MOST SEVERE – Stage 4 dry eye
Your tear break-up time will be almost immediate. The symptoms will be at their most severe and frequent, and may include burning, painful, sore, itchy eyes. It is a possibility that damage to the ocular surface has reached a stage where referral to an eye hospital may become necessary.
These tips can help keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable:
Due to a combination of factors, such as lower temperatures and humidity, more wind and cold air, dry eye symptoms are usually at their worst during the coldest season. The drier outside air in the winter is often dried out even more indoors from furnace heating.
The 30-30-30 rule for eyes is a guideline to prevent digital eye strain: every 30 minutes spent on a screen, look away at something 30 feet (about 9 meters) away for at least 30 seconds, allowing your eyes to relax and refocus. This simple break helps reset your focusing system, moisturizes eyes by encouraging blinking, and reduces symptoms like dryness, irritation, and headaches from prolonged screen time.
Hours of nonstop screen time may lead to irritated eyes, blurry vision and headaches, among other symptoms. Research shows nighttime use of digital devices can affect your sleep. Computer vision syndrome isn't a serious medical issue. But its symptoms may be so uncomfortable that they affect your work or daily routine.
Wear Your Glasses Every Day: The more you have your glasses on your face, the less you'll begin to notice them over time. If your eyes are getting fatigued or the weight on your nose is bothering you, take a short break to let your eyes rest. Once you've recovered, stick your glasses back on and go about your day.
Wearing your prescription glasses can help you see clearer, but what happens to your vision and eye health when you stop wearing glasses? You can stop wearing your glasses or contact lenses for many eye conditions without risking your eye health. You may experience uncomfortable symptoms, but it won't damage your eyes.
Dry eye is a long-term (chronic) condition. It doesn't have a cure, but treatments can help manage your symptoms. You may have to try several different treatments to find what works best for you. This can be a stressful process, but it's worth the effort.
Vitamin B6 is needed for a healthy tear film. Foods such as kale, potatoes, goose, mackerel, salmon and sardines contain high doses of vitamin B6. Vitamin B12 is also important for lubricating the eyes. It's typically found in mackerel, beef liver, calf's liver and pork liver.
Many fried and processed foods are high in trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to inflammation. Eye inflammation inhibits the production of tears, leading to chronically dry eyes. Fried and processed foods are everywhere, making them hard to avoid.
Systane and Refresh are both popular artificial tear brands for dry eyes, but differ in ingredients and formulation: Systane often uses polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) for a protective shield and can feel thicker (like gel drops) for longer relief, while Refresh frequently uses carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and glycerin, mimicking natural tears, with options like Refresh Optive for multi-layer support and Refresh Tears as a basic lubricant. Systane might be better for severe dryness or lipid layer issues (Systane Complete), while Refresh offers good options for sensitive eyes (preservative-free) and digital strain. The best choice depends on your specific dry eye type, so consulting an eye doctor is key.
Dry eye relief while you sleep
SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Ointment is designed to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable while you sleep. It forms a smooth, protective layer for the eyes that provides dry eye symptom relief at night.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Your ophthalmologist may recommend closporine, a medicated eye drop designed for long-term use, if you have severe dry disease, or an autoimmune condition, such as Sjögren's Disease or systemic lupus erythematosus. Cyclosporin can help decrease inflammation caused by these conditions.