Summer Dry Eye: 5 Hidden Triggers That Could Be Irritating Your Eyes | The Eye Collective
Summer Shouldn't Leave Your Eyes Feeling Dry
How sunshine, swimming pools, fans, and even sweat can make dry eye symptoms worse—and what you can do about it.
Summer is full of reasons to be outside. Pool days, beach trips, long walks, youth sports, and backyard barbecues are some of the best parts of the season. Unfortunately, many of those same activities can quietly worsen dry eye disease—not just for adults, but for children as well.
If your eyes have been feeling gritty, burning, watery, blurry, or unusually tired this summer, the season itself may be playing a bigger role than you realize.
1. Pool Water Isn't as Eye-Friendly as It Looks
Children (and adults!) often spend hours in chlorinated pools during the summer. While chlorine helps keep pools safe, it can also wash away the eye's natural tear film and irritate the ocular surface.[1]
Our thin layer of tears isn't just "water." It's a complex mixture of oils, water, and mucus that keeps your eyes comfortable and your vision clear. Once it's disrupted, symptoms like burning, redness, excessive tearing, and blurry vision often follow.[2]
The Eye Collective Tip: Swim goggles aren't just for competitive swimmers. A good pair helps protect the tear film and reduces exposure to chlorine and other pool chemicals.
2. Sweat Can Sting More Than Your Workout
Ever had sweat drip into your eyes during a tennis match, run, or while mowing the lawn?
Sweat contains salt, which can temporarily irritate the ocular surface—especially if you already have dry eye or sensitive eyes. Frequent rubbing afterward only adds more mechanical irritation.
Try using a moisture-wicking headband and gently blotting sweat instead of rubbing your eyes.
3. Ceiling Fans and Car Air Conditioning Can Dry Your Eyes
One of the biggest—and most overlooked—summer triggers isn't outside at all.
Ceiling fans, dashboard vents, airplane cabins, and indoor air conditioning all increase tear evaporation by constantly moving air across the eye's surface.[3]
If your eyes seem worse while driving or watching TV under a ceiling fan, your environment may be contributing.
Simple fixes:
Redirect air vents away from your face.
Blink fully during screen time.
Consider preservative-free artificial tears before symptoms begin.
4. Sunshine Is Great... Until UV Exposure Adds Stress
We often think about protecting our skin from ultraviolet (UV) light, but our eyes deserve the same attention.
Long-term UV exposure has been associated with changes to the ocular surface and may contribute to inflammation and tear film instability.[4]
A quality pair of sunglasses does much more than reduce glare—they help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays while also shielding them from wind and environmental debris.
At The Eye Collective, we recommend 100% UVA/UVB protection with premium lenses designed for your lifestyle, whether you're golfing, boating, running, or simply enjoying time outdoors.
5. Summer Allergies Can Make Dry Eye Feel Even Worse
Itchy eyes don't always mean allergies—and burning eyes don't always mean dry eye.
In fact, many patients have both.
Seasonal pollen increases inflammation on the ocular surface, while excessive eye rubbing further destabilizes the tear film.[5]
Determining whether your symptoms are allergy-related, dry eye-related, or a combination of both is one of the most important parts of choosing the right treatment.
Dry Eye Isn't Just an Adult Problem
Children are spending more time outdoors, more time swimming, and often more time on digital devices during summer break.
If your child frequently rubs their eyes, blinks excessively, complains of blurry vision, or avoids reading after swimming or sports, it may be worth evaluating their ocular surface—not just their glasses prescription.
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in long-term comfort and visual development.
Every Dry Eye Patient Is Different
Dry eye isn't a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Some patients produce too few tears. Others have healthy tear production but poor oil gland function that causes tears to evaporate too quickly. Many have a combination of both.[2]
That's why treatment should never begin with guesswork.
At The Eye Collective, our comprehensive dry eye evaluation looks beyond symptoms to identify the underlying cause. Depending on your individual findings, your personalized treatment plan may include:
Meibography to evaluate the oil glands
Tear film analysis
Blink assessment
Ocular surface imaging
Nutritional recommendations
Prescription therapies
Lid hygiene and in-office treatments
Personalized home care plans
Whether you're seven or seventy, understanding why your eyes are dry is the first step toward lasting relief.
Enjoy Summer—Comfortably
Summer memories should include sunsets, vacations, and family time—not burning, irritated eyes.
If dry, watery, or irritated eyes are becoming part of your summer routine, we'd love to help.
Protect your eyes with quality UV-blocking sunglasses, stay mindful of environmental triggers, and schedule a comprehensive eye examination to determine the best treatment plan for your unique eyes.
Healthy vision starts with a healthy ocular surface—and we're here to help you protect both.
References
1. Willcox MDP, et al. TFOS DEWS II Tear Film Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):366-403. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012417300721
2. Bron AJ, et al. TFOS DEWS II Pathophysiology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):438-510. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012417300745
3. Alves M, et al. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of Environmental Conditions on the Ocular Surface. The Ocular Surface. 2023;29:1-52. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012423000332
4. Stapleton F, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):334-365. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S154201241730071X
5. Jones L, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017;15(3):575-628. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012417300733