Dry Eyes in Coastal Weather? Find Relief in Myrtle Beach

A man sitting in front of a desk with a laptop and looking tired.

Living near the coast has its perks — ocean breezes, stunning sunsets, and the laid-back lifestyle Myrtle Beach is known for. But did you know those same coastal conditions can actually worsen dry eye symptoms? While humidity often gets credit for being “good” for dry eyes, the reality is more complex.

Wind, allergens, salt air, AC systems, and even extended screen time indoors can all contribute to dry eye disease. If you’ve noticed your eyes feeling gritty, watery, or irritated, Advanced Eye Care in Myrtle Beach is here to help.

Here’s what every local should know about dry eye in our unique climate, and how our specialized evaluations and therapies can bring lasting relief.

What Exactly Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease (DED) happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do make aren’t high enough quality to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. That lack of moisture can lead to symptoms like:

Stinging or burning eyes
A gritty or sandy feeling
Redness or light sensitivity
Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Excessive tearing (your body trying to overcompensate)
Difficulty wearing contact lenses

It’s not just uncomfortable; if left untreated, dry eye can damage the surface of the eye and lead to long-term vision problems.

Why Myrtle Beach Residents Are at Risk

We love the coastal life here in Advanced Eye Care, but let’s take a closer look at how our environment can play a role in dry eye symptoms:

Ocean Breezes (a.k.a. Constant Wind Exposure)

The wind off the ocean feels great on a hot day, but it can also evaporate tears faster, especially when you're out on the beach, walking the boardwalk, or golfing. That constant breeze strips away moisture from the eye’s surface and can leave them feeling irritated or tired.

Salt Air & Allergens

Our proximity to the ocean also means more salt in the air, which can irritate the eyes. Add in a healthy dose of coastal pollen and seasonal allergens, and your eyes may be in a constant state of inflammation, dryness, and discomfort.

Air Conditioning Indoors

In humid climates like ours, most people blast the AC to keep things cool, at home, in the car, and at work. But air conditioning dehydrates the air, drying out the eyes and worsening symptoms for many.

Screen Time: The New Coastal Culprit

Between working remotely, binge-watching Netflix, and endless scrolling on your phone, you probably spend more time staring at screens than ever before. When we focus on screens, we blink less often, reducing tear production and worsening dryness.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s so important to identify your root cause. Some of the most common contributors include:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): These glands help produce the oily layer of your tear film, and when they’re blocked or not working properly, your tears evaporate too quickly.
Aging and hormone changes: Especially common in women over 40.
Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and birth control can all affect tear production.
Autoimmune conditions: Like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
Contact lens wear and previous LASIK surgery

Dry Eye Treatment in Advanced Eye Care

At Advanced Eye Care, we go beyond drops and guesswork. We use cutting-edge diagnostics to identify the real cause of your dry eye so that we can treat it precisely and effectively.

Meibomian Gland Imaging

Using non-invasive imaging, we evaluate the health and function of your meibomian glands. This helps us identify gland dysfunction (MGD), which is one of the leading causes of dry eye.

Advanced In-Office Treatments

We offer several in-office therapies to relieve dry eye symptoms and restore tear function. These include lid hygiene treatments, thermal expression, prescription treatments to reduce inflammation, and care plans based on your lifestyle, medical history, and test results.

If over-the-counter drops aren’t providing relief, it’s time to consult a dry eye doctor who offers personalized care and long-term solutions.

Don’t Let Dry Eyes Cloud Your View of the Coast

Dry eye disease is more common in Myrtle Beach than you might think, and the longer it goes untreated, the more challenging it becomes to manage. But the good news? Relief is possible, and it starts with a proper diagnosis.

At Advanced Eye Care, we specialize in dry eye treatment for Myrtle Beach residents, using the latest technology to get real answers and lasting results. If your eyes are burning, blurry, or just not feeling right, it’s time to see a dry eye doctor who knows how to help.