Between the Breeze and the Blue Light
Life near the coast has its perks: ocean views, mild winters, and salty air. But if you find your eyes feel dry, gritty, or fatigued more often—especially after using your phone or computer—you’re not alone.
Living near the water means more exposure to wind, UV rays, and humidity shifts—all of which can impact your eyes. Combine that with increased digital screen time, and you’ve got the perfect storm for dry eye symptoms.
What Causes Dry Eye in Coastal Environments?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the right kind of tears—to stay comfortably lubricated. Along the coast, unique environmental factors can make things worse: Wind and salty air: These can evaporate your tear film more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Bright sunlight and glare: UV exposure can make your eyes more sensitive, especially after screen use.
- Seasonal allergens: Pollen from coastal flora, especially in spring and fall, can inflame the eyes and worsen dryness.
- If you’re already spending several hours a day on a screen—whether for work, school, or social connection—your eyes may not be getting the hydration or blinking they need.
How Screens Make Dry Eye Symptoms Worse
When you focus on a screen, your blink rate drops dramatically. Fewer blinks mean less moisture spread across your eyes, and more time for tears to evaporate. This leads to common symptoms like:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Feeling like there’s sand in your eyes
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue or heaviness
- Excessive tearing (yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness!)
Coastal Solutions: How to Protect Your Eyes Year-Round
Here’s how to keep your eyes comfortable in both digital and coastal environments:
- Blink often and fully: Especially when using screens—conscious blinking helps restore moisture.
- Use artificial tears regularly: Choose preservative-free options for safe, daily use.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors: Protect your eyes from wind and UV glare.
- Run a humidifier indoors: Especially useful during drier seasons or when running heat or AC.
- Limit screen time before bed: This helps reduce eye strain and supports better sleep.
- Use the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
When to See a Dry Eye Specialist
If your symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter drops and screen breaks, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. Dry eye is a chronic condition—but with the right treatment, it’s manageable.
At Coastal Vision, we use advanced diagnostics to determine the root cause of your dryness and create a customized plan. This may include:
- Prescription drops
- Punctal plugs
- In-office therapies like heat treatments or gland expression
- Lifestyle guidance based on your environment and digital habits
Feeling the strain of screens and salty air? Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Coastal Vision and discover how we can help your eyes feel refreshed—season after season.