Living in sunny Tampa can be a dream come true, but for many residents, it also comes with the pesky issue of dry eyes. The warm climate and constant exposure to sunlight can take a toll on your eyes, leaving them feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common causes of dry eyes in Tampa and what you can do to find relief. 

Hot weather 

There’s plenty of sunshine in Tampa, which can be both a good thing and a bit of a challenge for your eyes. Heat and too much sunlight can make your tears evaporate more, leading to dry eye. To prevent this, make sure to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection when outside and drink plenty of water. 

Air conditioning 

Another common cause of dry eyes in Tampa is air conditioning. While it’s essential for staying cool in the Florida heat, air conditioning removes moisture from the air, creating a cooler, dryer environment. A humidifier can add more moisture to the air and help prevent dry eye issues.  

Medical conditions & medications 

Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and birth control pills can cause dry eye as a side effect. Additionally, medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Sjogren’s syndrome can affect tear production or quality. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect your dry eye symptoms are related to a medication you’re taking or an underlying medical condition. 

Other causes 

Hormonal changes, aging, and lifestyle factors like staring at screens for too long can also contribute to dry eyes. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can affect tear production while aging naturally leads to decreased tear production and quality. Additionally, spending hours staring at digital devices can cause you to blink less frequently, meaning your eyes don’t produce enough moisture. To counter this, try taking breaks from screen time every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

Finding relief from dry eye 

Here are some ways you can reduce or even prevent dry eye symptoms: 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day 
• Use a humidifier at home or work 
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors 
• Take regular breaks from screens and blink frequently 
• Use over-the-counter eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated 
• Discuss any new medications or medical conditions with your healthcare provider 

If you’re struggling with dry eye, our dry eye specialist in Tampa will help you find an effective solution. Our eye doctor will examine your eyes and evaluate your symptoms to determine if more advanced treatment is necessary. He might recommend special contact lenses for dry eye called scleral lenses or in-office procedures like MiBo Thermflo or Eterna™. Eterna™ not only helps with dry eye but also offers anti-aging benefits like tightening loose skin or reducing wrinkles around your eyes! 

If you are suffering from dry eye or have other eye concerns, contact I-Care Optical today to schedule an appointment.