Every July, eye doctors across the country recognize Dry Eye Awareness Month, a chance to shine a light on one of the most common conditions we see in our Honolulu office. Dry eye affects an estimated 16 million Americans, and many more may be living with symptoms without realizing there’s a name for what they’re experiencing.
At Simply Eyes Hawaii, we want our patients throughout Makiki, Mōʻiliʻili, Ala Moana, Kakaʻako, and McCully to know the signs of dry eye and understand that relief is available.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do produce aren’t the right quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and, if left untreated, damage to the surface of the eye.
Common Symptoms
Dry eye can show up differently from patient to patient, but common signs include:
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Watery eyes, which can seem counterintuitive but often happens when dryness triggers excess tear production
- Discomfort with contact lenses
Why Honolulu Patients Are Especially Prone to Dry Eye
Hawaii’s climate and lifestyle bring a few factors that can make dry eye more common here than in other places. Air conditioning, sun and wind exposure, screen time, and everyday contact lens wear can all contribute to dryness. Many of our patients are surprised to learn how much their environment plays a role.
What You Can Do
If you think you might have dry eye, a few small changes can help in the meantime:
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Stay hydrated
- Protect your eyes from direct wind and sun with sunglasses
- Avoid pointing air conditioning or fans directly at your face
These steps can ease mild symptoms, but persistent or worsening dry eye deserves a proper evaluation. Over-the-counter drops are often just a temporary fix, and understanding the root cause is the best way to find lasting relief.
Get an Evaluation This Dry Eye Awareness Month
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, this is a good time to get checked. Visit our dry eye treatment page to learn more about how we diagnose and treat dry eye at Simply Eyes Hawaii, or call or text us at (808) 949-2662 to schedule your evaluation.