Dry eye may sound simple, but without attention and care, it can significantly impact your quality of life. This month is a valuable reminder to assess your symptoms, explore available treatments, and seek professional support if needed—especially as screen time and environmental factors continue to rise.

What Is Dry Eye & Why July Counts

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly. There are two main types:

• Aqueous-deficient dry eye – where tear production is too low.
• Evaporative dry eye – where tears evaporate too quickly due to meibomian gland dysfunction or environmental stressors.

While dry eye can affect anyone, it’s particularly common in women, older adults, and people with autoimmune conditions such as .

Why July? National Dry Eye Awareness Month was officially established by Congress in 2005 through the advocacy efforts of the Sjögren’s Foundation. The goal: to raise public understanding about dry eye, encourage early treatment, and reduce long-term complications such as corneal damage.

Recognizing Common Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, and many may not realize their discomfort is linked to tear instability. Be on the lookout for signs like:

• Dryness, scratchiness, or a gritty/sandy sensation
• Burning or stinging feeling in the eyes
• Fluctuating blurred vision that improves with blinking
• Red or irritated eyes, especially after screen use
• Light sensitivity and difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Watery eyes paradoxically caused by dryness (reflex tearing)

These symptoms are often exacerbated by computer use, air conditioning, wind exposure, or low humidity environments—common elements of our daily routines.

Managing & Treating Dry Eye Effectively

Fortunately, many treatment options can provide significant relief and restore eye comfort. Based on severity and cause, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following strategies:

1. Topical Relief Options:
   • Over-the-counter artificial tears, gels, or nighttime ointments can soothe dryness.
   • Preservative-free drops are often better for frequent use or sensitive eyes.
   • Prescription eye drops such as Restasis (cyclosporine), Xiidra (lifitegrast), or new therapies like Tyrvaya (nasal spray) can target inflammation and improve tear production.
2. Advanced Treatments & Professional Care:
   • In-office procedures such as punctal plugs (to reduce tear drainage) or thermal pulsation therapy (for meibomian gland dysfunction).
   • Lid hygiene routines and warm compresses to unblock oil glands.
   • Comprehensive dry eye evaluations at �鶹����can uncover underlying causes and tailor treatments specifically for your needs.

If over-the-counter solutions are no longer working or your symptoms are worsening, it’s time to consult a dry eye specialist.

Lifestyle & Environmental Adjustments

Daily habits and environmental changes can dramatically reduce dry eye discomfort. Incorporate these evidence-based strategies to support healthier, more comfortable eyes:

• Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to maintain a healthy blink rate.
• Blink consciously when working on screens and position screens below eye level to reduce exposure.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day and use a humidifier at home or work to increase indoor moisture levels.
• Wear wrap-around glasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, sun, and smoke.
• Avoid smoke, air vents, and excessive heater or fan exposure, which can worsen tear evaporation.

A combination of these lifestyle changes and medical treatments often provides the best long-term results.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If your symptoms persist despite using artificial tears or lifestyle changes, professional intervention is key. Chronic dry eye left untreated may lead to:

• Corneal abrasions or ulcers
• Increased risk of infection
• Long-term vision issues and decreased quality of life

July is the ideal time to prioritize your eye health. At SightMD, our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists offer advanced diagnostics and personalized dry eye management plans designed to relieve discomfort and restore optimal function.

What You Can Do This July

In honor of National Dry Eye Awareness Month, consider these simple steps to protect your vision and educate those around you:

• Take advantage of free resources from and the Sjögren’s Foundation to learn more about dry eye symptoms and support tools.
• Encourage a loved one who may be struggling with dry eyes to seek evaluation and care.
• Schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation at �鶹����to receive expert guidance and a tailored treatment plan.

Dry eyes don’t have to be a daily struggle. This July, take action for your vision.

Schedule your �鶹����dry eye evaluation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and restored comfort.

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Our eyes face different challenges throughout the year, from spring eye allergies to dry eyes in winter. Adapting your seasonal eye care routine to the changing environment is essential for maintaining clear, healthy vision. Learn how to protect your eyes year-round with these expert tips.

Spring: Combating Allergies

As flowers bloom, pollen levels rise, leading to common symptoms like itchy eyes, redness, and excessive watering. If you suffer from spring eye allergies, try these solutions:

• Use antihistamine eye drops to relieve itching and irritation.
• Keep windows closed to limit pollen exposure.
• Wash hands and face frequently to remove allergens.
• Wear UV-protection sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from pollen and bright sunlight.

Summer: Sun Protection

Long summer days mean more sun exposure, which can pose risks to eye health. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection helps prevent cataracts and retinal damage. A wide-brimmed hat offers additional shade, reducing glare and eye strain. After swimming, rinsing your eyes removes any chlorine or salt residue that may cause irritation. Staying hydrated is crucial in preventing dryness caused by heat exposure.

Fall: Screen Time Awareness

With back-to-school and work routines in full swing, screen time tends to increase, leading to digital eye strain. To reduce discomfort:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
• Adjust screen brightness and contrast to reduce glare.
• Use blue light filters or wear blue-light-blocking glasses.
• Position your screen at arm’s length and slightly below eye level to minimize strain.

Winter: Dry Eye Management

Cold weather and indoor heating systems can dry out the air, leading to winter and dry eyes. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor moisture levels, applying best eye drops for winter dry eyes, and drinking plenty of water can help counteract these effects. Wearing wraparound glasses outdoors shields your eyes from harsh winds, preventing excessive dryness and irritation.

Year-Round Eye Care Tips

A balanced diet rich in omega-3s, vitamins A and C, and lutein supports long-term eye health. Protective eyewear should be worn during sports and DIY projects to prevent injuries. Annual eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems early—book your appointment with �鶹����today! Practicing good hygiene with contact lenses, including proper handwashing and timely lens replacement, helps avoid infections.

FAQs

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Combat Dry Eye as Humidity Drops

One of the most prevalent issues individuals encounter during the colder months is dry eyes. As temperatures drop, humidity levels tend to decrease both outdoors and indoors. This drop in humidity can cause more moisture to evaporate from your eyes. This can lead to dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

To alleviate dry eyes during the fall and winter seasons, it is essential to keep your eyes well-hydrated. Utilizing a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture levels in the air. Additionally, over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can offer relief. At SightMD, we offer different treatments for severe dry eye. This includes prescription medications and advanced therapies like LipiFlow.

Stay Hydrated for Eye Health

Hydration is just as important for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. During the colder months, people often forget to drink enough water, which can exacerbate symptoms of dry eye. Staying properly hydrated helps maintain the moisture levels in your eyes, reducing discomfort.

�鶹����can help you manage dry eyes by suggesting proper hydration. They also recommend specific treatments for those who have chronic dryness in colder seasons.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays Year-Round

Even though the days are shorter and the sun feels less intense, UV rays can still damage your eyes during the fall and winter months. Snow and ice can reflect sunlight. This increases your exposure to harmful UV rays. Over time, this can lead to cataracts and other eye problems.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is important year-round, not just in the summer. Be sure to select sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to fully protect your eyes.

Shield Your Eyes from Cold Winds

Cold winds can be harsh on your eyes, causing increased irritation and tearing. To keep wind from bothering your eyes, wear protective eyewear. Use wraparound sunglasses or clear goggles. This is important if you are outdoors or doing activities like skiing or snowboarding. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses on windy days to minimize exposure to cold air.

If you often feel irritation from wind, �鶹����specialists can offer advice on eye protection. They can also suggest treatments to keep your eyes comfortable during outdoor activities.

Address Eye Irritation from Indoor Heating

Indoor heating systems can dry out the air, further contributing to discomfort and irritation in your eyes. Forced-air heating can be particularly drying, leading to increased evaporation of the tear film.

To counteract this, aim to keep your indoor environment as humid as possible. You can achieve this by using a humidifier. Also, take frequent breaks from indoor heating. Step outside for some fresh air. At SightMD, we can evaluate your needs. We provide targeted solutions for eye dryness that gets worse with indoor heating.

Schedule a Preventive Eye Exam

Preventive care is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health throughout the year. Seasonal changes can affect how comfortable our eyes feel. This makes it important to keep up with regular eye exams. Fall is a great time to schedule your yearly eye check-up. This helps make sure your eyes are healthy before winter arrives.

During an eye exam at SightMD, our specialists will check for any signs of dry eye, cataracts, and other vision issues. We can also provide personalized tips to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable as the seasons change.

Specialized Treatment for Winter-Related Eye Conditions

If you have serious eye problems in the colder months, like dry eyes, light sensitivity, or irritation, �鶹����can help. They offer many advanced treatment options. These include prescription eye drops, punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage, and in-office treatments to ease dry eye symptoms. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care. We want to help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable this winter.

Keep Your Eyes Protected This Winter

As the colder months come, it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes. Seasonal irritants and environmental factors can cause problems. To keep your eyes healthy in the fall and winter, stay hydrated, wear UV protection, and schedule eye exams. This can help prevent discomfort and keep your vision clear.

At SightMD, our experienced team is here to help you manage any eye-related concerns you may have as the weather changes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and prepare your eyes for the colder months ahead.

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How Fall Weather Aggravates Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes occur when your eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is inadequate. While this condition can affect individuals throughout the year, the fall season presents unique challenges that can exacerbate symptoms. Cooler temperatures and brisk winds in fall can make the tear film on the eyes evaporate faster. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

Moreover, the drop in outdoor humidity levels contributes to drier air, particularly indoors, where heating systems often exacerbate the situation by further reducing humidity. People who spend a lot of time in hot places, like home, work, or school, may experience dry eyes. This dry indoor air can cause more eye dryness and irritation. Consequently, many individuals find fall to be a particularly difficult season for managing dry eyes.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes Caused by Fall Weather

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. However, there are common signs that fall weather may make your dry eyes worse. These include a gritty sensation, redness, and a burning or stinging feeling in the eyes. You may notice that your eyes get tired faster. Wearing contact lenses for a long time might also feel uncomfortable. Blurred vision and excessive tearing can happen when your eyes try to fix dryness by making more tears. However, these tears often do not have the right quality to properly lubricate the eyes.

If you notice more of these symptoms in the fall, it is important to address them quickly. This can help prevent further irritation or damage to your eyes.

Managing Dry Eye Symptoms During the Colder Months

At SightMD, we offer a wide range of treatments for dry eyes, especially as fall approaches. One of the simplest yet effective measures is to modify your environment to alleviate dryness. Using a humidifier indoors adds moisture to the air. This helps reduce the dryness caused by heating systems and the outdoor climate. Also, taking regular breaks from screens and blinking more often can help your eye health. This is especially important during long periods of close-up work. It promotes tear production and keeps your eyes comfortable.

If you need quick relief, artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can help with dry eye symptoms. These over-the-counter options help maintain moisture on the eye’s surface, making it easier to combat the effects of dry air. It is important to talk to a �鶹����specialist. They can help you find the best type of artificial tears for you. Some products work better based on how severe your symptoms are.

If dry eye symptoms continue, doctors may suggest prescription medications. These can help reduce inflammation linked to chronic dry eyes. These medications can help boost natural tear production and enhance the overall quality of the tear film.

For patients with severe dry eye, our team at �鶹����may suggest advanced treatments. One option is punctal plugs. These plugs help keep tears on the surface of the eyes longer.Another option is thermal pulsation devices. These devices stimulate the oil glands in the eyelids.

SightMD’s Expertise in Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

If the fall season is exacerbating your dry eyes, �鶹����is here to assist you. Our team of eye care specialists can find the causes of your dry eyes and will recommend the best treatment plan for you. During your consultation, we will check how much tears you produce and the quality of your tears. Finally, we will consider any environmental factors that might be causing your symptoms. We will work with you to create a long-term plan. This plan will help keep your eyes comfortable during the fall and winter.

We offer many solutions to help with dry eye symptoms. These range from simple lifestyle changes to advanced medical treatments. Our goal is to restore comfort to your daily life.

Protecting Your Eyes This Fall

While autumn brings its own beauty, it also introduces specific challenges for eye health. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms as the season shifts, don’t hesitate to contact SightMD. Our complete approach to dry eye care ensures treatment that focuses on both the symptoms and the root causes of your condition. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help safeguard your vision and comfort this fall.

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Among the components of the eye, the tear ducts and their function are integral for maintaining the balance of moisture in the eye. However, issues related to tear ducts can arise, leading to discomfort, excessive tearing, and even infections. In such cases, oculoplastic surgery emerges as a viable solution to address these concerns effectively.

Understanding the Tear Duct System

The tear duct system, also known as the lacrimal system, consists of a series of ducts and glands that produce and drain tears. Tears are essential for maintaining the health and lubrication of the eye, providing a protective barrier against foreign particles and aiding in clear vision. The tear ducts, specifically the nasolacrimal duct, are responsible for draining excess tears into the nasal cavity.

Common Tear Duct Issues

Tear duct problems can manifest in various ways, including:

• Excessive Tearing is a condition, characterized by an overflow of tears, can result from blocked tear ducts or abnormalities in their structure.

• Blocked Tear Ducts are a blockage in the tear ducts can occur due to congenital factors, injury, infections, or age-related changes.

• Lacrimal Gland Disorders can cause issues with tear production, leading to dry eyes or excessive tearing.

• Eyelid Malpositions are conditions such as ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) or entropion (inward turning of the eyelid) can affect the tear ducts’ function.

Oculoplastic Surgery as a Solution

Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized branch of ophthalmology that focuses on the management of eyelid, orbital, and lacrimal system disorders. When it comes to tear duct issues, oculoplastic surgeons have several techniques at their disposal to address the problem effectively:

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

This surgical procedure is commonly used to treat blocked tear ducts. It involves creating a new drainage channel for tears to bypass the obstruction, typically by connecting the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. DCR can be performed using traditional or endoscopic techniques, depending on the patient’s needs.

Lacrimal Gland Surgery

In cases where lacrimal gland disorders are causing tear-related issues, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can include procedures to remove abnormal growths or to reposition the gland to improve tear production.

Eyelid Repair

Malpositions of the eyelids, such as ectropion or entropion, can affect the tear ducts’ function. Oculoplastic surgery can correct these issues by adjusting the position of the eyelid and restoring normal tear drainage.

Canalicular Surgery

For patients with issues specifically involving the tear ducts’ drainage canals (canaliculi), surgical repair or reconstruction may be necessary to restore proper tear drainage.

Trust �鶹����with your Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery offers effective solutions for addressing a wide range of tear duct and excessive tearing issues. By addressing the underlying causes of these problems, oculoplastic surgeons can improve patients’ comfort, vision, and overall eye health. If you are experiencing symptoms related to tear duct dysfunction, consulting with an oculoplastic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate course of action to address your specific needs. �鶹����has been voted the best Oculoplastic Surgery Practice on Long Island. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our skilled oculoplastic surgeons at your nearest location!

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Treating dry eyes in winter

You may have to use a combination of treatments to see the best results.

Artificial tears

Artificial tears are a method of restoring natural moisture to your eyes. They are available over-the-counter at most drugstores. If you wear contacts, make sure you are purchasing a contacts-friendly option. Try to apply the artificial tears several times throughout the day. Read the eye drops label carefully: If the drops contain preservatives, applying them more frequently may irritate your eyes. If you find yourself needing artificial tears more than six times a day, you may need to talk to your doctor about prescription treatments for dry eyes.

Eye ointments

Over-the-counter eye ointments can help to treat dry eyes. These are thicker than eye drops, and you usually apply them to your inner lower lash line. Because they are thicker, you can ideally apply eye ointments before bedtime. This reduces the likelihood that eye ointments will blur your vision.

Indoor humidifiers

A key contributing factor to winter dry eyes is the use of heaters indoors. While you certainly shouldn’t freeze in the name of combating dry eyes, you can use an indoor humidifier to restore some moisture into the air. A few things about humidifiers: it’s imperative that you keep them clean and away from little hands. The moisture in humidifiers can naturally attract mold and bacteria, which can turn your otherwise helpful humidifier into a breeding ground for illness. Clean them regularly as the manufacturer suggests to keep this from occurring.

Warm compresses

If your eyes are very irritated and red, applying warm compresses can help to reduce redness and discomfort.

Preventing dry eyes in winter

Here are some ways you can reduce dry eye symptoms this winter:

• Avoid the use of hair dryers, especially when the dryer blows directly into your eyes. 
• Keep your home as cool as you can tolerate to reduce your heater usage.
• Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. These may help to reduce dry eye (plus they’re good for you overall). 
• Wear wrap-around glasses when you go outside. These will help to protect your eyes from drying wind during the winter.

Contact SightMD today to  with one of our doctors to discuss your vision health at one of our convenient locations!

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• Feeling like there’s something in your eye
• Burning and stinging
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Dryness.  

Excessive tearing is another symptom, although it seems a bit backwards. Because the lack of moisture irritates the eye, your body reacts with a sudden flood of tears. Unfortunately, this flood of tears can wash out other important components of the tear film which are necessary for proper lubrication. 

There are several medications which have the potential to worsen the symptoms of Dry Eye.  Here are the broad categories and specific medications that have been known to potentially worsen the symptoms of Dry Eye.

Blood Pressure Medications-Beta Blockers such as Atenolol (Tenormin), Diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide.

GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder) Medications have been known to increase dry eye symptoms. These medications include Cimetidine (Tagamet), Rantidine (Zantac), Omerprazole (Prilosec), Lansoprazole(Prevacid), Esomeprazole (Nexium).

Antihistamines are more likely to cause dry eye: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine  (Claritin) Less likely to cause Dry Eye: Cetirizine (Zyrtec),  Desloratadine (Clarinex) and Fexofenadine (Allegra).  Many OTC decongestants and cold remedies also contain antihistamines and can cause dry eye.

Antidepressants Almost all of the antidepressants, antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs have the propensity to worsen the symptoms of dry eye.

Acne Medication especially Oral Isotretinoin

Hormone Replacement Therapy specifically the estrogen in HRT has been implicated in rry eye.

Parkinson’s Medication Levodopa/Carbidopa (Synamet), Benztropine (Cogentin), Procyclidine (Kemadrin)

Eye Drops In addition to oral medications many eye drops can actually increase the symptoms of dry eye especially drops with the preservative BAK.

If you are suffering from dry eye and are using any of the medications above you should discuss with your Ophthalmologist and Medical Doctor.  Don’t stop these medications on your own without consulting your doctors.

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Here’s the slightly longer answer.

There are plenty of eye “Redness Relief” products on the OTC market (Visine, Clear Eyes, B&L advanced redness relief) including several generic versions sold by pharmacy chains. The most common active ingredient is either Tetrahydrozoline or Naphazoline.  Both of these drugs are in a category called sympathomimetics, and they work to shrink or dilate the blood vessels on the eye’s surface. 

The problem is that blood vessels on the eye surface often dilate in response to irritation of the eye surface. This increase in blood flow is trying to help repair whatever irritation is affecting the surface of the eye. Clamping down on those vessels hinders the body’s efforts to repair the problem.

The other downside to over-using redness relief drops is that after the initial effects wear off, the vessels often dilate to an even larger degree than when the process started, thus making you want to use yet another dose of drops. It becomes a vicious cycle.

The Warning is on The Box

As with all medications, all of these eye drops carry the same two warnings right on their labels: 

• Do not overuse as it may produce increased redness of the eye.
• Stop using and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.

These drops are meant to be used for a very short duration of only one or two days. That’s it! They are not meant to be used indefinitely and they are certainly not meant to be used daily. 

Take a good look at that first warning.  MAY PRODUCE INCREASED REDNESS OF THE EYE. If you are using redness relief drops repetitively you are actually making your eye redness worse, not better.

Redness Relief Drops and Contact Lenses

Using redness relief drops if you wear contacts is an even worse idea.  If you put the drop in with your contact lens in, the lens will hold onto the drug and keep it on your eye surface longer, prolonging the negative effects.

Your cornea has no blood vessels in it and it depends on the blood vessels in the whites of the eye to bring in nutrients and oxygen. Wearing contact lenses will already cut down on the amount of oxygen brought to your cornea. Combine that with redness relief drops and that oxygen flow can drop down to dangerous levels. Decreased oxygen to the cornea is one of the biggest risks for contact lens related infections including corneal ulcers.

Alternatives to Redness Relief

If you have been using redness relief drops daily, you should see your eye doctor and determine if there’s another option. You’ll likely need to switch to an artificial tear or lubricating drop.

After you make that switch your eyes are initially going to be red as your blood vessels take time to get back to normal. The lubricating drop will actually help repair the damage done, and can decrease the inflammatory signals that make the vessels dilate. You’ll actually be doing something helpful for your eyes instead of masking a natural process. 

Appropriate Use

We’re not condoning the use of redness relief drops altogether, but want to urge our patients to use caution. We recommend limiting use to a maximum of two days, if your eyes have been exposed to irritating elements. If redness continues after two days, or becomes a more chronic issue for you, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss a treatment plan that’s right for you.

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