A patient recently arrived at our Dublin Carrickmines clinic carrying a bag full of eye drop bottles. She told me she had tried everything, yet her eyes were getting worse rather than better. It is a common issue during summer, when our eyes are exposed to sun, wind, chlorine, pollen, air conditioning, and heat. Eye drops can be extremely effective, but only when the correct type is used properly. Understanding how summer affects your eyes, how to apply drops safely, and when to seek professional advice can make a significant difference.
Why Summer Is Tough on Your Eyes
Summer creates several challenges for eye health:
- Increased UV exposure from longer days and outdoor activities can stress the ocular surface.
- Air conditioning lowers indoor humidity and dries the natural tear film.
- Pollen, grass, and dust levels are often at their peak.
- Chlorine and saltwater can irritate the eyes.
- Heat and wind accelerate tear evaporation, causing gritty, uncomfortable eyes.
Air Travel and Dry Eyes
Air travel can worsen symptoms significantly. Cabin humidity often drops below 20%, compared with the usual 30 to 50% on the ground. This dries the tear film quickly, leaving eyes feeling irritated, tired, and gritty, particularly on long flights.
If your eyes feel drier or more irritated during summer, environmental conditions are likely contributing.
The Benefits of Eye Drops in Summer
Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide several benefits during warmer months:
- Relieve dryness and discomfort by supporting the natural tear film
- Flush away allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust, and chlorine
- Reduce redness and inflammation caused by environmental triggers
- Protect the ocular surface and maintain comfortable vision
- Prevent complications linked to untreated dry eye, including corneal damage
For seasonal allergies, antihistamine eye drops may help relieve itching and watering.
In our dry eye clinics across Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, preservative-free lubricating drops are often recommended as a first-line treatment for summer-related irritation.
Belfast
Health & Wellbeing Park, Kings Hall, Upper Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 6GW
Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri 9am-5pm
Cork
1st Floor, 2 Park Place, City Gate Mahon, T12DH0F
Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri 9am-5pm
Dublin Carrickmines
3rd Floor, The Herbert Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18, D18 K8Y4
Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri 8am-5pm
How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
Many people do not get the full benefit from their eye drops because of poor application technique. To apply them correctly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Tilt your head back and look upward.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket.
- Hold the bottle above the eye without touching it and apply one drop.
- Close the eye gently for one to two minutes. Avoid excessive blinking or squeezing the eyelids.
- Press lightly on the inner corner of the eye near the nose to reduce drainage into the tear duct.
- Wipe away excess liquid with a clean tissue.
- Wait at least five minutes before applying another type of eye drop.
Contact Lens Wearers
Always check whether your drops are compatible with contact lenses. Some lubricating drops require lenses to be removed before use.
One drop is usually enough. Using more does not improve effectiveness and may cause additional problems.
Can You Overuse Eye Drops?
Yes. Although lubricating drops are generally safe, excessive or incorrect use can create complications.
Preservative Toxicity
Many over-the-counter eye drops contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride to prevent bacterial growth. Using these drops more than four to six times daily can irritate the ocular surface, worsen dryness, and potentially damage the cornea.
Solution: Choose preservative-free eye drops if frequent use is required. These are usually supplied in single-use vials and are gentler on sensitive eyes. In our dry eye clinics in Dublin and Cork, they are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe symptoms.
Rebound Redness
Decongestant eye drops marketed as “redness relief” or “whitening” drops work by narrowing blood vessels in the eye. Overuse can lead to rebound redness, where the eyes become even redder once the drops wear off.
Solution: Avoid long-term use of decongestant drops. Persistent redness should be assessed by a consultant ophthalmologist to identify the underlying cause.
Masking Underlying Conditions
Relying on eye drops without addressing the real cause of symptoms can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Dry eye disease, blepharitis, allergies, and infections all require different management approaches.
Solution: If you need eye drops daily for several weeks, arrange a professional assessment. Consultant-led clinics can diagnose and treat the underlying condition rather than simply managing symptoms temporarily.
When to Seek Professional Help
Eye drops can help relieve symptoms, but they are not a substitute for professional care. Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Persistent dryness or irritation despite using drops
- Redness that worsens or does not improve
- Eye pain, light sensitivity, or changes in vision
- Discharge, crusting, or signs of infection
- Symptoms affecting daily activities or quality of life
At Veonet Ireland, we provide same-day referral-only Eye Casualty services at our Dublin Carrickmines clinic from Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 15:30, alongside consultant-led clinics in Belfast, Cork, and Dublin. We also run dry eye education seminars for healthcare professionals and are expanding dry eye treatment services across all locations in 2026.
We accept insured and self-pay patients, with VHI as our preferred insurer, and there are no waiting lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Preservative-free lubricating drops can be used regularly as needed. However, preserved drops should not be used more than four to six times daily. If symptoms continue for several weeks, specialist assessment is recommended.
Preservative-free drops are usually supplied in single-use vials and do not contain chemicals that may irritate the eyes with frequent use. Regular multi-dose bottles contain preservatives to prevent contamination, but overuse may damage the ocular surface.
If over-the-counter drops are not helping after several weeks, or if you develop pain, vision changes, or persistent redness, a consultation is advisable. Accurate diagnosis is essential because dry eye disease can have multiple causes.
They are generally safe for occasional use but should not be used regularly. They temporarily narrow blood vessels without treating the cause of redness and may lead to dependency and rebound redness.
Some eye drops are lens-compatible, while others require contact lenses to be removed first. Always check the label or ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
About the Author
Desislava Andreeva is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Veonet Ireland, specialising in cataract surgery and dry eye disease. She leads CPD sessions at the Dublin Carrickmines clinic, including imaging-led case discussions and interactive Q&A sessions, and is committed to delivering consultant-led eye care across Ireland.
Book an appointment today:
Desislava Andreeva
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Veonet Ireland Dublin Carrickmines
