Why Calgary’s Climate Can Worsen Dry Eyes
Living in Calgary means dealing with dry air year-round. The city’s high elevation and low humidity levels significantly increase the risk of developing dry eye symptoms. Without enough natural moisture in the air, your tears evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes feeling gritty, irritated, or even painful. Combine that with seasonal wind, cold snaps, or wildfire smoke, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic eye discomfort.
At Market Mall Optometry, we regularly treat patients experiencing these climate-related symptoms. If you find your eyes burning after time outside or waking up with dry, red eyes in winter, Calgary’s air quality may be to blame.
Daily Habits That Can Make Dry Eyes Worse
While the climate plays a big role, your everyday routine can also trigger or worsen dry eye symptoms. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Excessive screen time: Long hours spent working on a computer or scrolling on your phone can reduce blink rate, which limits tear production and leads to dry, strained eyes.
- Improper contact lens use: Wearing lenses too long or not following proper hygiene can dry out your eyes and exacerbate discomfort.
- Poor indoor air quality: Central heating, fans, and air conditioning can further dry out your environment and your eyes.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water directly impacts your body's ability to produce quality tears.
If these sound familiar, it may be time to revisit your daily routine. Market Mall Optometry offers lifestyle guidance as part of your dry eye management plan.
Medical Conditions That Can Contribute to Dry Eye Syndrome
Sometimes, dry eyes are more than just a product of the environment or lifestyle. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can interfere with tear production. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs can also dry out the eyes.
This is why a comprehensive eye exam is so important. At Market Mall Optometry, we assess both ocular and systemic health to get a complete picture of what’s behind your symptoms. This allows us to develop personalized treatment plans, including options like artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or advanced therapies like Neurolens® for eye strain relief.
Allergies and Calgary’s Seasonal Changes
Spring and fall in Calgary often bring an uptick in allergens like pollen and dust, which can irritate the eyes and contribute to dry eye flare-ups. If your eyes feel itchy or swollen during allergy season, it's worth considering both allergy management and targeted dry eye treatment.
Patients at Market Mall Optometry benefit from holistic care that looks at seasonal patterns and environmental triggers alongside your general eye health.
Take Action Against Dry Eye Symptoms in Calgary
If your eyes constantly feel dry, itchy, or tired, you don’t have to accept it as normal. The team at Market Mall Optometry is here to help you uncover what’s really behind your symptoms. Through detailed dry eye assessments and tailored treatment plans, we work to address the specific triggers affecting your vision.
Whether it’s the dry Calgary air, screen-heavy habits, or an underlying health condition, we offer clear, actionable solutions to improve your comfort. Visit our clinic at Market Mall and let our team guide you toward lasting relief and healthier eyes.
Contact Market Mall Optometry to book your dry eye assessment today in Calgary and discover a clear path forward.
FAQs
Q: What causes dry eyes in Calgary’s climate?
A: Calgary’s dry air, frequent wind, and high altitude lead to faster tear evaporation. In winter, indoor heating makes it worse, leaving many people with irritated, dry eyes year-round.
Q: Is screen time a trigger for dry eyes?
A: Yes. Prolonged screen use can reduce your blink rate, preventing proper tear distribution and causing eye dryness.
Q: How is dry eye diagnosed at Market Mall Optometry?
A: The optometrists perform a comprehensive dry eye assessment that may include tear film evaluation, symptom questionnaires, and meibomian gland analysis. Contact Market Mall Optometry today to book an appointment.
