Sunny beaches, outdoor barbecues, and longer days are just some of the things that make summer so great in Wilmington, DE. However, the humid summer months also bring along a common and annoying eye issue, dry eye syndrome. Led by the proficient Dr. Heather Dealy, Eye Consultants is here to alleviate any of your dry eye discomforts and share with you some tips that will keep your eyes sparkling all summer long.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome, or simply ‘dry eyes,’ is a condition where your eyes produce an insufficient or poor-quality number of tears. This results in itchy, red eyes that can sometimes experience a burning sensation, too. Factors such as age, hormonal changes, specific medications, and certain medical conditions can cause dry eyes, but dry environmental conditions, like those in Delaware this summer, are another key contributor.
How Summer Contributes to Dry Eyes
During the summer months, especially here in Wilmington, DE, the increased heat and lack of humidity can cause the tear film on your eyes to evaporate faster, leaving them dry. Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper UV protection and dips in the salty Atlantic seashore can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
Preventive Measures
Preventing dry eye syndrome and all the uncomfortable symptoms that come with it is actually easier than you may think. Eye Consultants is pleased to offer the following tips to help keep your eyes clear and comfortable this summer.
Wear Sun Protection
Wearing sun protection, such as sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, can help alleviate dry eye syndrome by shielding the eyes from harsh UV rays and environmental irritants, which can exacerbate dryness and discomfort. Additionally, these protective accessories reduce exposure to wind and dust, helping to maintain moisture levels in the eyes and providing a more comfortable visual experience.
Take a Break from Screens
Taking regular breaks from screens can significantly alleviate dry eye syndrome by allowing the eyes to rest and recover from prolonged exposure to digital devices, which often leads to reduced blinking and increased dryness. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help refresh the eyes and promote natural tear production, ultimately reducing discomfort and irritation.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated during the summer months is essential for alleviating dry eye syndrome, as proper fluid intake helps maintain the body’s overall moisture levels, including the eyes. Drinking plenty of water can support tear production and prevent the eyes from becoming excessively dry, especially in hot, dry conditions that can exacerbate symptoms.
Treating Dry Eyes at Eye Consultants
Under the leadership of the well-versed Dr. Heather Dealy, our team at Eye Consultants offers a myriad of effective dry eye treatments. After a comprehensive eye check-up, a personalized treatment plan is curated just for you. This may include artificial tears, medications, punctal plugs, or therapies like like intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL is also called a “photofacial” and works by emitting gentle pulses of light to treat the underlying causes of dry eye. It can also improve your skin texture by reducing redness and small blood vessels or age spots. You can trust our team to offer you the best possible eye care centered around your needs. Eye Consultants is one of the first practices in the state to offer OptiLIGHT by Lumenis, a light therapy to address inflammation associated with dry eyes
Schedule a Consultation
Remember, prolonged dry eye conditions may lead to more severe complications, including vision loss. So, if the sunny Wilmington weather seems to dry up your eyes, don’t brush it off. Schedule a consultation at Eye Consultants today by filling out an online contact form.
Contact Us Today
Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
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