How to keep your eyes comfortable in summer

September 1, 2026

Longer days and warmer weather bring more time outdoors, but summer is also one of the toughest seasons for eye comfort.

Heat, air conditioning, UV exposure, pollen and chlorine can all combine to leave eyes feeling dry, gritty or irritated. (1)

Here’s a guide on how you can help keep your eyes comfortable this summer.

Why summer is hard on your eyes

High temperatures and drier air

High temperatures and drier air cause moisture to evaporate from the eyes faster than usual, and this is one of the main reasons dry eye symptoms tend to flare up in summer [1].

Windy conditions

Windy conditions, whether a sea breeze or a car window down on the motorway, add to this by drying out the tear film further [2].

Air con

It is tempting to escape the heat indoors, but air conditioning removes moisture from the air [1]. This creates a dry indoor environment that speeds up tear evaporation [1]. This applies at home, in the office and in the car, so symptoms can build up gradually without an obvious single cause [1].

Summer sun

Summer sun does not just affect the skin. Prolonged UV exposure is linked to a higher risk of photokeratitis, essentially sunburn of the cornea, as well as longer term effects such as cataracts [3]. UV can still reach the eyes on overcast days, so protection matters even when it is not sunny [3].

Warmer weather

Warmer weather also brings higher pollen counts [4]. Seasonal allergies can cause redness, itching and watering, but they can also disrupt the tear film in a way that worsens underlying dry eye, rather than just adding a separate, unrelated symptom [4].

Swimming pool chemicals

Chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean are effective at killing bacteria, but they can also irritate the eyes [5]. Natural water such as lakes or the sea can carry microorganisms that pose their own risk of eye infection [5].

Extended screen use

Summer holidays often mean more downtime with a phone, tablet or laptop. Extended screen use is linked to a lower blink rate, which is a well-established contributor to eye strain and dryness [6].

Practical ways to stay comfortable

Wearing sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, ideally a wraparound style, reduces both sun and wind exposure [3]. UV rays can still cause damage on cloudy days, so sunglasses are worth wearing whenever you are outdoors in summer [3].

Not sitting directly in front of air con or fans

Keeping air conditioning and fans off the face is worth doing, avoiding direct airflow from fans and air vents may help improve eye comfort [7]. This applies whether you are in the car, office or at home [7].

Using a humidifier

Using a humidifier indoors helps if you are spending a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces, as it puts moisture back into the air [8].

Rinsing eyes after swimming

Rinsing the eyes with clean water after swimming helps remove chlorine or other residue from the eye’s surface [8]. Goggles are also worth considering to reduce direct contact with pool water [5].

Following 20-20-20 screen rule

Following the 20-20-20 rule with screens helps reset blink rate and reduce strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something roughly 20 feet away for 20 seconds [6].

Staying hydrated

Staying hydrated throughout the day supports natural tear production [4]. Keeping lubricating eye drops close by is useful for topping up moisture on hot, dry or high pollen days, and preservative free drops can be used frequently if needed [1].

If symptoms are persistent, painful, or affecting vision, it is best to speak to a pharmacist, optometrist or GP rather than relying on self-care alone.

References

5 in 1 eye drops that rehydrate, revitalise and soothe

With so many eye drops on the market claiming to do a variety of different things, it can be difficult to know which ones to buy. TheraTears® solves this problem. Featuring vital electrolytes found in natural tears, our products are formulated to deliver 5-in-1 benefits based on your needs.