What Causes Dry Eye - and Why It’s So Common in San Diego

Dry eye is more than just an occasional irritation. It can be a chronic condition that can affect your vision, comfort, and overall quality of life. While anyone can experience it, people in San Diego seem to be especially prone to dry eye symptoms. Understanding what causes this condition and the factors unique to our area can help you take steps toward relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears they do produce evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the eyes lubricated, nourished, and protected. When the tear film is disrupted, symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision can develop.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

• Age: Tear production tends to decrease as we get older.

• Contact Lens Wear: Wearing contacts for extended periods can disrupt the tear film.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and certain medications can reduce tear quality and quantity.

• Screen Time: Prolonged use of digital devices can cause reduced blinking, leading to faster tear evaporation.

• Hormonal Changes: Especially common in women during menopause, hormonal fluctuations can affect tear production.

Why San Diego Residents Experience More Dry Eye

While dry eye can occur anywhere, San Diego’s environment and lifestyle make it more common here.

• Dry, Sunny Climate: San Diego’s low humidity and frequent sunshine may feel pleasant, but they can also accelerate tear evaporation, leaving eyes dry and irritated.

• Outdoor Lifestyle: Many locals spend significant time outside - whether at the beach, hiking trails, or sporting events. Sun exposure, wind, and salty air can all worsen dry eye symptoms.

• Air Conditioning & Heating: Indoor climate control, while keeping temperatures comfortable, can reduce indoor humidity, leading to increased dryness.

• Allergens in the Air: San Diego’s seasonal blooms and year-round pollen exposure can trigger allergic reactions that contribute to eye irritation and dryness.

• High Screen Time Culture: With a strong tech industry presence and a busy lifestyle, residents often spend long hours on computers and smartphones, reducing natural blinking and increasing eye strain.

What You Can Do to Relieve Your Symptoms

If you’re dealing with dry eye, there are several steps you can take to reduce symptoms and protect your vision. Start by making small adjustments to your environment—using a humidifier at home or work can help maintain moisture in the air, while wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can shield your eyes from wind and sun exposure. Limiting direct air flow from fans, heaters, and air conditioning vents can also help prevent tear evaporation.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports healthy tear production. Over-the-counter artificial tears can offer temporary relief, but it’s important to choose preservative-free options if you use them frequently.

Most importantly, see your optometrist if your symptoms persist. Dry eye can be caused by underlying conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis that require targeted treatment. Your eye doctor can perform specialized testing to pinpoint the cause and recommend therapies such as prescription eye drops, in-office procedures, or advanced treatments tailored to your needs.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today 

Dry eye is a complex condition influenced by a combination of personal health, habits, and environment. In San Diego, the sunny, dry climate and active lifestyle make it especially common. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s important to address them early to prevent long-term damage to your eyes.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Focal Optometry and start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Contact our office in San Diego, California, by calling (858) 330-4200 to schedule an appointment today.