July in the Pacific Northwest is beautiful—but for many, it’s also when dry eye symptoms become hard to ignore. At Mill Creek Vision, we know dry eye disease doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can affect your quality of life. The good news? Understanding your risk is the first step toward lasting relief.
Whether your eyes feel gritty, watery, or irritated, here’s how to find out if you’re at risk for dry eye — and what you can do about it.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. It’s not just about feeling dry — it’s a chronic condition that can damage the surface of your eyes if left untreated.
Think of your tear film like oil on water. Without a healthy oil layer, tears evaporate too fast, leaving your eyes exposed and uncomfortable.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we get older.
- Hormonal changes: Women, especially after menopause, are more prone to dry eye.
- Environment: Windy weather, air conditioning, and smoke can all dry out your eyes.
- Digital devices: Staring at screens reduces how often you blink, leading to evaporation.
- Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs can cause dryness.
- Health conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome are linked to dry eye.
At Mill Creek Vision, our dry eye optometrists use advanced diagnostics to identify the root cause of your dry eye, ensuring personalized and effective treatment.
Are You Experiencing These Dry Eye Symptoms?
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may be dealing with dry eye disease:
- Burning, stinging, or gritty feeling
- Excessive tearing (your eyes trying to compensate)
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to wind, light, or smoke
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
Don’t ignore these signs—early treatment can prevent damage and relieve your discomfort.
Why Summer Makes Dry Eye Worse
While dry eye is a year-round problem, summer brings extra challenges:
- Higher temperatures increase tear evaporation.
- Air conditioning dries out indoor air.
- Outdoor allergens can inflame your eyes.
- More time outdoors means more wind, dust, and sun exposure.
If your eyes feel worse in July, you’re not imagining it. Seasonal factors can tip the balance for those already at risk.
Advanced Dry Eye Solutions at Mill Creek Vision
At Mill Creek Vision, we’re committed to helping you find lasting relief. We offer:
- OptiLight and OptiPLUS by Lumenis: FDA-cleared light-based therapies targeting the root causes of dry eye.
- Customized dry eye treatments: Tailored to your unique tear film and lifestyle.
- Lifestyle and nutrition guidance: To help support tear production and eye health.
We go beyond eye drops—our goal is to address the source of your dry eye for real, lasting comfort.
How to Reduce Your Dry Eye Risk This Summer
Here are practical steps you can take:
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and UV rays.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take breaks from screens and practice the 20-20-20 rule.
- Use a humidifier indoors to keep moisture in the air.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke.
- Schedule an eye exam if symptoms persist.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation in Mill Creek, WA
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month—the perfect time to take control of your eye health. Don’t let dry eye keep you from enjoying your summer.
At Mill Creek Vision, we use state-of-the-art technology and personalized care to diagnose and treat dry eye effectively. Let’s work together to keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, now is the time to act. Contact our eye care practice in Mill Creek, to schedule your comprehensive dry eye evaluation with our eye doctors. We are ready to help you find real relief and protect your long-term eye health.
