The blossoms are blooming, the Tupelo breeze is warmer—and your eyes feel like sandpaper. Sound familiar? Spring may be a season of growth and renewal, but it is also a peak time for dry eye symptoms to spike. At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we hear it all the time: “Why do my eyes feel worse when everything else feels better?”
Let’s unpack why spring can be tough on your eyes—and how our advanced dry eye treatment options can bring you much-needed relief right here in Tupelo.
Why Spring Weather Affects Dry Eye
Spring brings more than sunshine and showers—it also brings a wave of airborne irritants. Pollen counts rise, winds pick up, and humidity can swing unpredictably. These environmental changes challenge our eyes’ natural tear film, which acts as a shield against irritation.
If you already struggle with dry eye, spring makes things worse. And even if you don’t, seasonal triggers might introduce you to that telltale burning or gritty feeling for the first time.
How Spring Weather Affects Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can flare up quickly during spring, and it’s not just your imagination. Between the changing weather patterns and rising allergens, your eyes are up against a lot more than just sunshine. Here are some of the most common effects of spring weather on dry eye:
Pollen, Mold, and Airborne Allergens
Spring is beautiful in Tupelo, but it is also full of floating irritants. Trees, grass, and flowers release pollen that can settle on the surface of your eyes, triggering inflammation. Even if you don’t have traditional allergies, your eyes may still react with dryness, redness, or a gritty feeling. These allergens can:
- Block your tear ducts or irritate your eyelid glands
- Trigger your immune system, which affects tear quality
- Increase inflammation, making your eyes feel swollen or scratchy
Windy Conditions
We have many breezy days and while a soft spring wind can feel nice, it can also make tears dry faster If your eyes are not producing enough tears—or if the quality of those tears is poor—wind can make symptoms worse.
Quick tip: Wraparound sunglasses can help shield your eyes from both wind and pollen.
Temperature Swings
One moment it is sunny and 75°, the next it is cool and damp. Spring is notorious for wild temperature changes, which can confuse your tear-producing glands and make it harder for your eyes to maintain balance. These fluctuations can disrupt:
- Oil production in your tears (critical for preventing evaporation)
- How quickly your tears evaporate
- Inflammation levels in the eye
Increased Screen Time Indoors
Spring showers are perfect for a movie day—but extended time indoors usually means more screen time. Staring at phones, tablets, or TVs can significantly reduce how often we blink. And less blinking = more dryness. Encourage regular breaks and try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Indoor Air and Allergens
When spring pollen becomes overwhelming, we tend to shut windows and crank up the A/C. Unfortunately, indoor environments can be just as drying. Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, and closed spaces can trap dust and mold. Try adding a humidifier to your home or office to keep indoor air more eye friendly.
How to Manage Dry Eye in Spring
You don’t have to suffer through the season. At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we offer customized dry eye treatment plans to address the root of your symptoms. Here is how you can start feeling better:
- Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam - Pinpointing the cause of your discomfort starts with a professional evaluation.
- Protect Your Eyes Outdoors - Wear wraparound sunglasses on windy days or when pollen is high. This will help shield your eyes from irritants.
- Stay Hydrated - Drinking plenty of water helps keep your eyes (and body) hydrated.
- Use a Humidifier at Home - Indoor air can dry out quickly in spring—especially with air conditioning. A humidifier can help restore moisture to your living space.
Find Springtime Dry Eye Relief in Tupelo
Spring doesn’t have to mean red, itchy eyes. If the season has you blinking more and seeing less, it is time to act. At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, our trusted team in Tupelo is here to help you enjoy every bloom and breeze—without the burn. Book your appointment to get relief from seasonal dry eye.
