Why does ‘dryness’ increase in eyes in summer? Save your eyesight and keep your eyes hydrated with these easy methods Why does eye dryness increase during summer? Protect your vision and keep your eyes hydrated with these simple methods.

The scorching heat and rising temperatures not only affect our skin but also cause great harm to our eyes. These days, the problems of irritation, redness and ‘dryness’ in the eyes have become most common. When there is not enough moisture in the eyes, they start getting tired and feel strained. Have you ever wondered why eyes start drying so quickly during the summer season? In fact, continuously increasing heat, excessive use of AC and dusty winds dry up the natural tears of the eyes rapidly. If you too are feeling heaviness in the eyes, then this news is for you.

Symptoms of dryness in eyes: how to recognize?

Ignoring dryness of eyes can prove costly. If you repeatedly feel something ‘sand-like’ stinging in your eyes, your sensitivity to light increases, or there is persistent redness in your eyes, then understand that your eyes are suffering from lack of hydration. Apart from this, sticking of eyes and blurred vision while waking up in the morning are also major symptoms of dry eye syndrome. If you are getting any of these signs, it is better to be alert in time, so that problems like vision defects can be avoided in future.

Ways to stay hydrated: Follow these special tips

To keep your eyes moisturized for a long time, first pay attention to your diet. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as flax seeds and walnuts, which increase tear production in the eyes. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses while going out, because they protect the eyes from direct sunlight and hot wind. Apart from this, drink adequate amount of water daily. If you use a computer or mobile for hours, follow the ’20-20-20 rule’—look 20 feet away every 20 minutes and rest your eyes for 20 seconds.

Doctor’s advice and home remedies for prevention

To give comfort to the eyes at home, you can apply cold compress on the eyes with a clean cotton cloth. It is extremely effective in reducing swelling and returning moisture to the eyes. If sitting in AC is your compulsion, then definitely install a ‘humidifier’ in the room, which maintains moisture in the air. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops as per the doctor’s advice is a good option. But remember, do not use any eye drop without expert opinion. Do not compromise with the health of your eyes and if the irritation increases, immediately contact an eye specialist.