Yes, dry eye symptoms tend to be more severe in warmer months. Just like your body can become dehydrated with increased heat so can your eyes, specifically the cornea or outer surface of the eye.

The first step in a dry eye exam (or any exam for that matter) is to record an accurate medical history for the patient. Many times the symptoms are caused by underlying systemic conditions which need to be treated. After that a thorough examination of the eye under a slit lamp can reveal any physical conditions such as blepharitis or a defect of the lacriminal gland which could be the culprit for dry eye syndrome. Another test that can be performed by a doctor is a tear film analysis which can reveal underlying causes of the dry eye.

Drinking enough water, protecting your eyes from the sun with UV blocking sun glasses, and the use of nutritional supplements are a few things you can do to decrease your risk. As always the annual eye exam is a great way to evaluate eye health and be proactive about any potential conditions such as dry eye syndrome.