Dry Eyes in Hot Weather? How to Keep Your Eyes Hydrated This Summer

As the summer sun shines bright, many people find themselves dealing with an unexpected issue: dry, irritated eyes. The combination of high temperatures, air conditioning, and increased time outdoors can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, red, and uncomfortable. 

But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable all summer long.

Why Does Hot Weather Cause Dry Eyes?

Summer weather creates the perfect conditions for dry eye symptoms to flare up. High temperatures and low humidity can cause moisture to evaporate from your eyes more quickly than usual. Windy conditions, whether from a summer breeze or the blast of air from a car’s open window, can also dry out your tear film.

Another major culprit is air conditioning or fans. While these keep you cool indoors, they also remove moisture from the air, making it harder for your eyes to stay lubricated. Add in seasonal allergies, chlorine from swimming pools, and extra screen time, and it’s no wonder dry eye symptoms tend to worsen in the summer.

Recognizing the Signs of Dry Eyes

If your eyes feel irritated during the summer, you might be experiencing dry eye syndrome. Common symptoms include redness, a burning sensation, excessive watering, blurry vision, and a feeling like there’s sand or grit in your eyes. While some people notice mild discomfort, others experience more severe symptoms that make it difficult to focus or enjoy outdoor activities. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes or reaching for artificial tears, it’s a sign that your eyes need extra hydration.

Stay Hydrated to Support Eye Moisture

One of the easiest ways to keep your eyes hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration affects your entire body, and that includes your tear production. When you don’t drink enough water, your tears may become too salty and evaporate too quickly, leading to dry, irritated eyes.

During hot weather, your body loses water faster than usual through sweat, so it’s important to replenish your fluids throughout the day. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and more if you’re spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activity. Snacking on foods with high water content, which include cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, can also help keep you hydrated.

Protect Your Eyes from Sun and Wind

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about fashion—it’s a great step in protecting your eyes from dryness. UV rays from the sun can contribute to eye irritation, and wind exposure can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly. Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and have wraparound frames to shield your eyes from both the sun and wind.

If you’re spending time at the beach or in a particularly windy area, consider using a hat with a wide brim for extra coverage. This small step can make a big difference in preventing dry eye symptoms.

Limit Air Conditioning Exposure

While air conditioning provides relief from the heat, it also removes moisture from the air, which can dry out your eyes. If you spend long hours indoors with the AC running, try using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. Keeping the humidity level in your home between 30 and 50% can help maintain a comfortable environment for your eyes.

Positioning yourself away from direct air vents can also reduce dryness. If you’re driving, avoid having the car’s air vents blow directly into your face, as this can quickly dry out your tear film.



In addition, household fans circulate air and increase tear evaporation.

Be Mindful When Swimming

Swimming is a great way to cool off in the summer, but pools and saltwater can be harsh on your eyes. Chlorine strips away the natural oils that help protect your tear film, while saltwater can cause irritation and dryness.

To minimize the effects, wear swim goggles whenever you take a dip. If your eyes feel dry or irritated after swimming, rinse them with fresh water and use lubricating eye drops to restore moisture. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make irritation worse.

Eat a Diet That Supports Eye Health

Your diet plays a key role in maintaining eye hydration. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, help reduce inflammation and promote healthy tear production. Vitamin A, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, also supports eye health by keeping the surface of your eyes moist.

If you struggle with persistent dry eye symptoms, consider adding a fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement to your diet. These supplements can help improve tear quality and reduce discomfort caused by dry eyes.

Use Lubricating Eye Drops

Sometimes, your eyes need a little extra help staying hydrated. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide quick relief for dry eye symptoms. Choose preservative-free drops to avoid irritation, especially if you need to use them multiple times a day.

If you wear contact lenses, look for rewetting drops specifically designed for contacts. Keeping your lenses clean and properly hydrated can make a big difference in preventing dryness and discomfort.

Know When to See an Eye Doctor

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite taking preventive measures, it may be time to see an eye doctor. Chronic dry eye syndrome can lead to complications such as inflammation and damage to the surface of your eyes. An eye doctor can evaluate your symptoms, recommend prescription treatments if necessary, and help you find a long-term solution for keeping your eyes comfortable.

Dry eyes don’t have to ruin your summer. By staying hydrated, protecting your eyes from the sun and wind, and making small lifestyle adjustments, you can keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable in hot weather. If you’re experiencing ongoing dryness or discomfort, though, our team at Baptist Eye Surgeons can help. Don’t wait for the discomfort to get worse; reach out to us for expert eye care and personalized solutions today!