BE CAUTIOUS OF COMMON EYE CONDITIONS DURING THE DRY SEASON

As the hot summer ends and the weather turns cooler in the early mornings and evenings, autumn begins to set in. Although the climate becomes more pleasant, this season also brings several health concerns. With low humidity and significant fluctuations in temperature between day and night, it is especially important to pay attention to ocular health.

Below are the most common eye conditions that tend to occur during this time of year.

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Many people associate allergic conjunctivitis with spring due to tree pollen, but its prevalence during autumn is also high. This is largely due to indoor allergens such as house dust, pet dander, and—most notably—weed pollen (different from tree pollen in spring).
Typical symptoms include itching, eye redness, and a foreign-body sensation. Applying a cold compress may help temporarily relieve discomfort.

2. Hordeolum (Stye)
Cool autumn weather encourages more outdoor activities, which may increase the risk of developing a stye—a bacterial infection involving the Meibomian glands or the Zeiss glands at the eyelid margin.
Common symptoms include swelling, redness, and localized pain of the eyelid. The most frequent cause is rubbing the eyes with unclean hands. Although some cases resolve spontaneously, severe swelling and pain may require antibiotic treatment or incision and drainage at a medical facility.

3. Dry Eye Disease
Dry wind and strong ultraviolet (UV) exposure during autumn accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dry eye symptoms. While common in modern lifestyles, untreated dry eye may become chronic and potentially lead to complications.
Regular warm compresses are helpful as they liquefy meibum blocked within the Meibomian glands, allowing for better tear film stability and improved ocular moisture.

4. Photokeratitis (UV-Induced Corneal Injury)
Many assume UV radiation is only intense in summer. However, starting from September, the sun’s lower angle increases direct UV exposure to the eyes. This results in a higher incidence of photokeratitis—an acute injury to the corneal epithelium—during autumn.
Symptoms may not appear immediately, but later develop into pain, redness, tearing, and foreign-body sensation. Severe cases may increase the risk of other ocular diseases, including cataracts.

How to Prevent Autumn-Related Eye Problems
To protect your eyes during seasonal transitions, consider the following measures:
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors
• Use a humidifier indoors to improve air moisture
• Maintain adequate hydration
• Prefer eyeglasses over contact lenses, as contact lenses may accumulate dust and trigger irritation

Although autumn weather is pleasant, proper eye care is essential to maintain good vision and overall comfort. If you notice any unusual symptoms, promptly visit an eye care professional for evaluation and treatment.

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