Dry eye is one of the most common eye health conditions in New Zealand, and for many people it does not resolve on its own between seasons. The combination of high UV exposure, wind, low indoor humidity and increasing screen use creates persistent challenges for ocular comfort that shift in character throughout the year. The good news is that with the right daily habits and professional support, dry eye is a manageable condition.
Why New Zealand’s Environment Is Hard on Eyes
New Zealand has one of the highest UV indexes in the world, and that UV exposure affects the ocular surface year-round, not just in summer. The atmosphere here is thinner than in many northern hemisphere countries, which means UV radiation reaches ground level with greater intensity even on overcast days. Wind compounds the problem significantly, particularly in coastal areas, Wellington and the South Island, where exposed conditions accelerate tear evaporation from the eye surface.
Indoors, the picture is equally challenging. Heating systems in winter and air conditioning in summer both reduce ambient humidity, creating dry air environments that draw moisture from the tear film.
How Each Season Affects Dry Eye
Dry eye does not take a break between seasons. The triggers shift, but the underlying challenge remains. The table below outlines the primary dry eye driver in each season and the single most practical step to address it.
| Season | Primary Trigger | Practical Advice |
| Summer | High UV, wind, air conditioning | Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors; use preservative-free drops in air-conditioned spaces |
| Autumn | Transitional indoor heating, falling humidity | Begin a daily warm compress routine before the heating season peaks |
| Winter | Indoor heating, low humidity, reduced outdoor time | Use a humidifier at home; increase lubricating drop frequency throughout the day |
| Spring | Wind, pollen, increased outdoor screen use | Maintain lid hygiene daily; consider whether allergy is contributing to your symptoms |
Recognising which season creates the most difficulty for your eyes is a useful starting point, but most people with dry eye benefit from year-round management rather than a reactive approach. The habits that help in winter (frequent lubrication, warm compresses) remain relevant in summer, even if the triggers differ.
Common Daily Triggers and What to Do About Them
Screen use is the most widespread daily driver of dry eye symptoms across all age groups. When people focus on a screen, their blink rate drops significantly, and incomplete blinking means the tear film is not refreshed as often as it needs to be. A practical and clinically supported approach is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 metres away for 20 seconds. This allows the eyes to blink naturally and the tear film to recover.
Beyond screens, the following daily triggers contribute to dry eye symptoms across a broad range of people:
- Prolonged screen use and reduced blinking
- Contact lens wear, particularly extended daily wear
- Indoor heating and air conditioning
- Low fluid intake throughout the day
- Certain medications including antihistamines and some antidepressants, which can reduce tear production
- Dry or windy outdoor environments without protective eyewear
Contact lens wearers with dry eye often notice that discomfort increases toward the end of the day. This is a sign that the tear film is struggling to maintain moisture around the lens. Switching to daily disposable lenses, reducing wear time or using lubricating drops compatible with contact lenses can make a meaningful difference. If contact lens discomfort is persistent, a review with an optometrist is the most effective next step.
Managing Dry Eye at Home
Home management works best when it targets the specific type of dry eye you have, but most people benefit from the same core habits regardless of the underlying cause. The following options form the foundation of effective self-management:
- Preservative-free lubricating eye drops, used as often as needed throughout the day
- Heated eye masks or warm compresses applied for 10 minutes daily to stimulate the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, which supports tear film lipid quality over time
- Lid hygiene using a clean warm cloth or commercially available lid wipes to keep the eyelid margins clear
- Wraparound sunglasses outdoors to reduce wind and UV exposure to the ocular surface
- The 20-20-20 approach during screen use to maintain a healthy blink rate
A note on artificial tears: preservative-free formulations are preferable for people who use drops more than four times a day. Preserved drops are suitable for occasional use, but frequent application of preserved formulations can irritate the ocular surface over time, particularly for people with sensitive eyes.
Home management addresses symptoms and reduces the frequency of flare-ups, but it does not replace an assessment of what is driving your dry eye. Evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction and aqueous deficient dry eye caused by insufficient tear production require different management approaches. Knowing which type you have makes your home care more targeted and more effective.
When to See an Optometrist
Dry eye symptoms that do not improve after four weeks of consistent home management are a clear reason to seek a professional assessment. An optometrist can evaluate the tear film directly, assess the function of the meibomian glands and identify whether the cause is evaporative, aqueous deficient or a combination of both. This level of assessment goes beyond what a standard eye test covers.
Consider booking a dry eye assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent grittiness, burning or stinging in one or both eyes
- Watery eyes that do not resolve (this is the eye’s reflex response to dryness, not a sign that moisture is adequate)
- Blurred vision that clears temporarily when you blink
- Increasing discomfort with contact lens wear
- Sensitivity to light or wind that is worsening over time
- Dry eye symptoms that have not improved after four weeks of home management
A dry eye assessment at an optometry practice typically involves tear film analysis to measure the quality and quantity of your tears, evaluation of the meibomian glands and a review of contributing factors including your environment, screen habits and any medications that may affect tear production. The outcome is a clear picture of what is driving your symptoms and a treatment plan matched to your specific situation, which may include clinical options such as punctal plugs, which are small devices placed in the tear drainage ducts to retain moisture, or prescription eye drops for moderate to severe cases.
Dry Eye Care at Gates Eyewear
The Gates Eyewear optometry team provides dry eye assessments and ongoing management for patients across New Zealand. Assessment covers the full picture including tear film quality, meibomian gland function and the contributing factors specific to your daily environment and habits, so treatment recommendations are grounded in what is actually causing your symptoms rather than a generalised approach.
For patients who are already managing dry eye, the team at Gates Eyewear can review your current routine, identify what is working and adjust your management plan accordingly. Gates Eyewear also stocks protective eyewear and can advise on contact lens options better suited to dry eye sufferers. Speak with the Gates Eyewear team about your dry eye symptoms and what management options are right for you.
