Spain is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations and a must visit to enjoy the sun. While these provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation, when the mercury ticks too high, it can create problems. With climate change, summers in Spain are becoming even hotter and longer.
If you’re prone to dry eyes, then this can present significant challenges. The combination of intense heat, glaring sunlight, and increased reliance on air conditioning, can all exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
In this blog, Gurjeet Jutley examines the topic of dry eyes and advises on what preventative measures you can take during the extreme heat.
Understanding Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is caused when either eyes do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate rapidly. This leaves eyes feeling dry and irritated and can potentially lead to blurred vision as well as discomfort. A range of factors can contribute to dry eyes, including heat, age, medications and medical conditions. Lengthy use of screens and contact lenses can also contribute.
Intense sunlight and high temperatures can exacerbate evaporation, leaving eyes without the lubrication they need. This can be a particular problem if you spend an extended period outdoors in the heat. Air-conditioned indoor spaces can also be challenging due to their low humidity levels, contributing to dry eyes.
Managing Dry Eyes During a Spanish Summer
What can you do to manage the discomfort caused by dry eyes during the hot weather?
- Keep Hydrated
Ensure you remain hydrated by drinking sufficient amounts of water. During hot weather, this is likely to be more than usual. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining tear production.
- Use Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricant eye drops can provide relief from the discomfort of dry eyes by helping to lubricate the eye. Always follow the instructions provided on the packaging.
- Remember to Blink
Intentional blinking helps to spread tears evenly across the surface of your eyes. This is particularly important if you’re spending long periods of time focusing on screens, or you’re spending extended periods in air-conditioned environments.
- Protect Your Eyes
Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays will shield your eyes from harmful sunlight while helping to reduce the rate of tear evaporation. Wrap-around styles can also provide additional protection from wind and dust.
- Manage Screen Time
Extended periods of screen time can reduce blink frequency, contributing to dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Raise Humidity Levels
Higher humidity helps to counteract the impact of heat on your eyes. If you have air conditioning, consider using a humidifier to help maintain a comfortable level of indoor humidity. This can help prevent rapid evaporation of tears.
- Nutrition
There is evidence that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help promote healthy tear production. These are found in foods such as oily fish, walnuts and flaxseed. They also have a range of other health benefits making omega-3 a popular supplement.
- Stay Indoors
During very hot periods it’s sensible for a range of health reasons, not least avoiding dry eyes, to remain indoors. This is particularly important during the hottest time of the day. This is usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Review Your Medication
In some instances, certain medications may be exacerbating dry eye problems. If you are taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ask about possible side-effects such as dry eye. If necessary, it may be possible to change medications for one that is less likely to cause a problem with your eyes.
- Consult an Ophthalmologist
If you are experiencing persistent, severe and painful dry eye symptoms, then it’s important to consult an ophthalmologist. They can recommend appropriate treatments, including prescription eye drops or other therapies. They can also check your overall eye health.
Gurjeet Jutley at Clinic Guirao
You can now receive eye care from Dr. Gurjeet Jutley at the Clinica Guirao in Murcia. He’s looking forward to building on his extensive within the UK.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment please contact the clinic.