Why Georgia’s Climate Creates Perfect Storm for Dry Eye
The climate in Georgia regularly creates conditions that aggravate the symptoms of dry eyes. From seasonal eye allergies to dry indoor air, there are several triggers and causes that you should be aware of to reduce the discomfort that dry eyes can bring.
Cold winter winds and summer heat are both triggers for eye irritation, while fluctuating temperatures in spring can also be an issue. Coupled with indoor heating in winter and air conditioning in summer, it can feel like there’s no escape from the conditions that cause dry eye symptoms.
Other events like wild fires can also be a problem, with smoke and particles in the air irritating the eye. In addition, bright sunshine doesn’t just damage skin but also harms eyes – causing the evaporation of moisture and tears. Elevated pollen levels can trigger an adverse reaction, too.
Seasonal Triggers and Environmental Factors
Depending on the area, the allergy season can run from January through to October in Georgia. Typically, tree pollen is the first culprit, peaking at the end of March and beginning to decline at the end of May.
Grass pollen takes over at this point and is present through much of the summer. In late summer to early fall, weed pollen such as ragweed, sage, yellow dock and pigweed make an appearance and are present until the cold weather sets in.
In summer, high temperatures outside and air conditioning inside contribute to drying your eyes. There is the risk of summer forest fires adding pollutants and particles to the air and creating problems for those suffering from seasonal eye irritation.
Dry, cold winds in winter have a similarly drying effect and symptoms are often compounded by indoor heating.
Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms and When to Seek Help
If you suspect you may be suffering from dry eyes but don’t know how to differentiate between seasonal allergies and dry eye syndrome, there are ways to tell the difference.
While dry eyes and seasonal allergies share some symptoms, such as redness and burning, there are others that are unique to each condition.
Dry eyes cause:
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
- Blurry vision
- Stinging sensation
- Sensitivity to light
Seasonal eye irritation can present as:
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Discharge
- Puffiness or swelling
If you think you have dry eye syndrome, seek professional treatment and find the right solution for your situation. Don’t ignore the symptoms, as if left untreated, dry eyes can lead to inflammation, abrasion on the surface of your cornea, and even loss of vision.
Advanced Treatment Options at Classic Vision Care
At Classic Vision Care, we have advanced treatment options for dry eye syndrome. Our doctors specialize in treating this uncomfortable condition and are committed to providing you with relief that is fast and enduring.
Once we have determined the specific cause of your dry eyes, you will be given a personalized treatment plan. Dry eyes can be caused by a number of factors, so we’ll identify the root cause of your concerns and then develop a solution that’s the right fit for your condition.
Once we know the cause of your dry eye problem, we will offer you one of the following solutions:
- Eye drops – either medicated or curated, over the counter remedies
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy – to treat meibomian gland dysfunction
- MiboFlo – an advanced in-office procedure to keep your eyes moist
- BlephEx – uses an innovative spinning sponge to exfoliate your eyelids
- Punctal plugs – to hold tears on the surface of your eyes longer
- Scleral lenses – lock in tears to lubricate your eyes
- Eye supplements – to support your eye health
Prevention and Lifestyle Management Strategies
As well as the dry eye treatment in Georgia available to you at Classic Vision Care, there are also things you can do to alleviate your symptoms yourself.
Managing the humidity in your home as well as limiting your screen time can improve how your eyes feel. Taking supplements which improve your eye health such as those rich in fish oil, vitamin A and C can also help.
Creating Your Personalized Seasonal Plan
If you’re unsure how to treat seasonal dry eye, come and speak to us at our clinics in Marietta or Kennesaw. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific issues and offer some expert advice and guidance.
We understand that no two patients are the same. We’ll provide you with an individualised treatment plan based on your specific triggers and lifestyle factors to alleviate your dry eye symptoms.