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Think of summer and sunshine: lounging by the pool and the blissful feeling of warm sand between your toes spring to mind. What you don’t need blurring these idyllic thoughts – or putting a dampener on your summer plans – is the discomfort of dry eye.
Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects more women than men, and it tends to become more common with age. Around a third of people up to the age of 65 and over are thought to have the condition.
It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, which can lead to dry eye symptoms such as grittiness, soreness, tired eyes and even mild sensitivity to light. Seasonal heat is also one of the reasons why you may be more prone to the itchy, gritty discomfort of dry eye symptoms in the summer.
Ocutears is here to help you better understand the causes and remedies to help you keep your eyes comfortable this summer. While a stylish pair of sunnies can help you look fabulous, you don’t want them to be a permanent fixture to cover up red and sore eyes when the sun isn’t out!
Causes of summer dry eye
You’re more likely to get dry eye if you’re over 50, wear contact lenses and use screens daily. It can also be a lesser-known symptom of perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal changes. Hormones such as oestrogen are instrumental in helping to keep the ocular surface of the eye regulated and are linked to functions such as tear production and tear evaporation.
So, let’s take a look at some of the factors specific to summer…
- Weather: High temperatures cause tears to evaporate quicker and wind can have a drying effect on the eyes.
- Air conditioning: Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can evaporate tears.
- Swimming: Chlorine in swimming pools can strip the eyes’ natural lubrication.
- Allergens: Pollen, dust and smoke increase in summer, exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
Tips to help keep eyes comfortable this summer
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays and wind, and wear goggles while swimming.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help maintain tear production.
- Use artificial tear eye drops: Eye drops can help to keep your eyes hydrated. Speak to your pharmacist about treatment options for dry eye.
Try Ocutears® Eye Drops
A global leader in specialist ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, Santen’s range of artificial teardrops work to help hydrate, lubricate and protect for long-lasting relief from the symptoms of dry eyes.
Ocutears® Alo+ with aloe vera relieves symptoms of red, irritated and sensitive eyes for prolonged freshness and long-lasting comfort.
Along with Ocutears® Hydro+, it’s specifically formulated with 0.4% cross-linked sodium hyaluronate – which works to help moisturise and soothe – so that the eye drops stay in place for longer*.
Cationorm®, for mild to severe symptoms, is a first-of-a-kind eye drop that acts like the body’s natural tears. It uses ionic technology and a clinically proven triple-acting formula to help restore moisture, protect the eye’s surface and relieve irritation. The range is preservative free and suitable for contact lens wearers.
Find out more at ocutears.co.uk
Always read the label.
*Compared to alternative eye drops which aren’t formulated with cross-linked HA.
